CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Camden County Public Water Supply District No. 5 has received a $223,000 interest-free loan from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help plan and design future drinking water system improvements.
The funding comes through the department’s Planning and Design Loan Program and will cover early engineering and administrative costs while the district works toward a larger construction funding package.
The district estimates the full improvement project will cost about $3 million, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
According to DNR, the planning loan carries no interest and has a five-year term. The department estimates that will save local ratepayers about $48,000 in interest compared with other financing options.
“Investing in local water infrastructure is not just about improving drinking water systems; it’s about revitalizing communities and ensuring residents have access to abundant, safe drinking water,” said Jake Buxton, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The larger project could eventually qualify for additional financing through Missouri’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which supports improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage, supply facilities, and other drinking water infrastructure.
DNR said the Camden County project will be funded wholly or in part with money received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
More information about Missouri drinking water and wastewater funding programs is available through the Department of Natural Resources’ State Revolving Fund program.
