Gov. Nixon announces nearly $800,000 in grants for infrastructure projects to benefit Phelps County
ST. JAMES, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today awarded four grants totaling nearly $800,000 for infrastructure projects in Phelps County, include improvements to and construction of bridges, sewers and electrical transmission projects. Funding for the projects in St. James, Newburg, Doolittle and rural Phelps County comes from the Delta Regional Authority, an economic partnership between state and federal government, serving 252 counties and parishes in eight states along the Mississippi River.
“The Delta Regional Authority understands that rural development and rural economies depend on strong communities like those in Phelps County,” Gov. Nixon said. “Each of these projects strengthens communities and enhances opportunities for economic development throughout Missouri.”
The Governor, who made the announcement at St. James City Hall, said the projects will directly benefit the residents of Phelps County, and the economic development spurred by these projects will benefit the entire Meramec region and state of Missouri.
“Under Governor Nixon’s leadership, Missouri has developed a strong working relationship within the Delta Regional Authority, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and local communities,” said Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jon Hagler. “Projects like these are vital to the ability of our rural communities to provide the jobs and services their residents need, and we are proud to play a part in that.”
The projects, which will be funded 100 percent through the DRA grants and local matches, include:
- $272,930 from the Delta Regional Authority and a local match of $365,000 for an electrical distribution project in St. James that will create a transmission loop, providing support for the city, as well as local manufacturing and industry.
- $77,632 from the Delta Regional Authority and a local match of $35,000 to replace a bridge in rural Phelps County on County Road 3610 near the main entrance to Boys and Girls Town of Missouri.
- $230,871 from the Delta Regional Authority, with a match of $17,000 from the city of Newburg to replace a bridge on Wolf Pride Drive near the Newburg R-2 School.
- $214,989 from the Delta Regional Authority and a local match of $25,000 to help the city of Doolittle install a new parallel wastewater interceptor line to increase capacity and equalize pressure on the city’s sewer system.
“Without the support of the state and the funds from the Delta Regional Authority making these grants possible, our projects would likely not be completed,” said Richard Cavender, executive director of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. “We are grateful for this opportunity to advance the economic development of the Meramec Region.”
Gov. Nixon will serve as the 2011 States’ Co-Chairman for the Delta Regional Authority. Director Hagler, also serves on the Delta Regional Authority as Missouri’s designee, and Mike Marshall, of Sikeston, serves as the alternate co-chair for the Delta Regional Authority.
