The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $194,000 for improvements to the existing storm sewer system in East Prairie, Mo. Another grant was previously awarded in September 2009 for $194,000.
“Awarding these water infrastructure funds will help prolong the useful life of the existing system,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks. “Water infrastructure is a basic necessity to protect community health and prosperity.”
The agricultural drainage ditch the City of East Prairie developed was enclosed in a large corrugated metal pipe 80 years ago, and that pipe has begun to fail. Since 2006, four sewer collapses have caused flooding within the city. These grant funds will help construct improvements that will apply a lining to 2,000 ft of the existing storm sewer.
EPA oversees the protection of water quality and public health. The agency is working with community leaders and the public to meet the growing needs and demands of our limited water resources.
Source: U.S. EPA
