Missouri DNR’s $640M Loan for St. Louis Wastewater Upgrades the Largest in State History
According to the Missouri Independent, St. Louis’ sewer district will receive the largest loan in the history of Missouri’s clean water fund — equal to almost the entire current balance of the state’s fund for similar projects.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that it had awarded a $640 million loan to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to upgrade its wastewater system. The loan covers the entire cost of the project and will save ratepayers in the district about $402 million in interest payments over the 30-year term of the loan, the release says.
The project includes replacing incinerators at two wastewater treatment facilities to reduce air pollution and new solids processing buildings. It’s expected to be completed by December 2028.
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sew District’s executive director, Bret Berthold, said in the release it was the largest project the district had ever undertaken.
“It will significantly improve air quality, reduce emissions and support a healthier future for our region,” Berthold said.
Gov. Mike Parson said in the release that the project reflects the fact that “significant endeavors usually require substantial investment.”
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that Missourians in every community have access to quality infrastructure that they rely on every day for life, health and economic opportunity,” Parson said.
