MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources /news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Sun, 16 Feb 2025 09:25:11 +0000 en-us Justin Bensley selected as December 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/justin-bensley-selected-december-2024-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 272591 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:10:32 +0000 Justin Bensley selected as December 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Tue, 01/07/2025 - 17:10 Release Date Wednesday, January 8, 2025 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 8, 2025 – Justin Bensley, an archeologist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Missouri State Parks, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for December 2024. He was selected for his service to the department and his efforts while reviewing cultural resource impacts related to projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.In January 2024, Bensley’s section learned of approximately 20 American Rescue Plan Act projects that needed to be reviewed for cultural resource impacts. Most of the projects were for water and wastewater improvements, so each one also needed an archaeological survey. All of the projects had to be reviewed and any issues resolved so they could go out for bid by the end of the fiscal year, which was June 30, 2024.“Justin turned out to be a miracle worker,” said Kim Dillon, a natural resources manager who nominated Bensley for the award. “His work resulted in most of the projects being reviewed, modified and approved just before the end of the fiscal year."Due to a vacancy, Bensley was the only staff archeologist at the time, so he was tasked with evaluating each of these projects on his own or with archeological contractors on the larger jobs. In addition, he had to consult with the Osage Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office on the projects, which was a new process. Completing the reviews required Bensley to coordinate between each facility, archeological contractors, planners and the Missouri Office of Administration while also holding many meetings, making countless phone calls and preparing numerous documents.“I honestly don’t know how he did it, but we are so thankful that he did,” said Dillon.Bensley joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in March 2021 and resides in Columbia. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant Round is now open https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/outdoor-recreation-legacy-partnership-program-grant-round-now-open 272531 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:38:23 +0000 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant Round is now open Karen Kremer Mon, 01/06/2025 - 15:38 Release Date Tuesday, January 7, 2025 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 7, 2025 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is now accepting applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. The National Park Service is anticipating recommending between 25-40 projects per year in the nationwide competition.Eligible applicants include other state agencies and local governments, such as cities and counties, as well as special-purpose districts, including park districts, located within a community having a population of 25,000 or more in the 2020 Census and located within a designated underserved community.Project request amounts are limited to a maximum of $15 million and a minimum of $300,000. The deadline to submit a project application is March 25 and Aug. 19 each year from 2025-2029.For more information about this program and the application process, please visit mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants.Established in 2014, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program is funded through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. This nationally competitive grant program is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and focuses on communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. The grant can be used for park projects to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks and form connections between people and the outdoors in economically underserved communities.   For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov Improvements complete, Roaring River State Park campground 3 reopens https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/improvements-complete-roaring-river-state-park-campground-3-reopens 272526 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:02:06 +0000 Improvements complete, Roaring River State Park campground 3 reopens Karen Kremer Mon, 01/06/2025 - 15:02 Release Date Monday, January 6, 2025 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 6, 2025 – Visitors to Roaring River State Park will be excited to know that the improvements to Campground 3 are complete and the campground will reopen for guests Feb. 25, 2025. Guests will be able to make reservations starting Jan. 6, 2025, for arrival beginning Feb. 25. Missouri State Parks is working to maintain access to park resources while other construction projects in the park continue. Park representatives appreciate visitors’ understanding of this situation.Roaring River State Park is located at 12716 Farm Road 2239, 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information, contact the park office at 417-847-2539.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov MoDNR Opens Applications for $13M in Grid Resilience Formula Funding https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-opens-applications-13m-grid-resilience-formula-funding-0 272211 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:11:22 +0000 MoDNR Opens Applications for $13M in Grid Resilience Formula Funding Karen Kremer Tue, 12/31/2024 - 10:11 Release Date Tuesday, December 31, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 31, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is now accepting applications for its Grid Resilience Formula Funding Program. Funding subawards will support investments that improve the resilience of the electric grid against disruptive events. Examples of eligible projects include utility pole management, power line relocation or reconductoring and microgrids, as well as the training, recruitment, retention and reskilling of skilled and properly credentialed workers in order to perform the required labor.“The Grid Resilience Formula Funding grants will enable communities to ensure reliable power for their residents,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Projects selected through this program will protect households and businesses from blackouts or power shutdowns during extreme weather.”Eligible applicants include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers and fuel suppliers. A total of just over $13 million is available for selected projects.“Affordable, reliable, and resilient electric infrastructure is important to Missouri’s economy and our citizens’ well-being,” said Emily Wilbur, director of the Division of Energy. “These grants will help the state’s energy providers make sure power is available to critical infrastructure and small or disadvantaged communities.”The department will score and prioritize applications for funding based on specific criteria. Priority will be given to projects that, in the department’s determination, will generate the greatest community benefit (whether rural or urban) in reducing the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events.The department will accept Grid Resilience Formula Funding applications through 4 p.m. Central Time on April 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the department’s Funding Opportunities Portal or via email to gridresilience@dnr.mo.gov.To learn more, visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/grants-loans/grid-resilience-formula-funding-subgrants. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Department of Natural Resources awards $3.9 million grant to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for wastewater improvements https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-39-million-grant-metropolitan-st-louis-sewer-district-wastewater-improvements 272121 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:48:58 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $3.9 million grant to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for wastewater improvements Karen Kremer Thu, 12/26/2024 - 16:48 Release Date Monday, December 30, 2024  JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 30, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $3.9 million grant to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for upgrades to its wastewater system. The project is expected to be completed in July 2026.The project involves the construction of an on-site granular activated carbon pretreatment system at the Prospect Hill Landfill to treat landfill leachate contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prior to entering the district’s collection system. The treated leachate will then be conveyed to the Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of the regular treatment process.“Missouri communities must have reliable infrastructure if they are to grow and thrive,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Helping communities address emerging contaminants can be expensive, but we are committed to being good partners with our local communities to help ensure they succeed.”“One of our priorities is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their wastewater treatment systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One way we do that is by offering a variety of financial assistance programs through which we can help qualified communities upgrade key infrastructure, which in turn improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The funding for the project comes from a $3.9 million Emerging Contaminants Grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocation.The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extensions, combined sewer overflow corrections, and security, efficiency, and conservation measures. Communities who borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Department of Natural Resources awards $30,000 to Lincoln County Public Water Supply District No. 2 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-30000-lincoln-county-public-water-supply-district-no-2 272116 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:07:40 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $30,000 to Lincoln County Public Water Supply District No. 2 Karen Kremer Thu, 12/26/2024 - 14:07 Release Date Friday, December 27, 2024 The district will evaluate drinking water system improvements.JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 27, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $30,000 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to Lincoln County Public Water Supply District No. 2 to evaluate its drinking water system.The department’s Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant Program offers funding to small communities for engineering costs incurred during preparation of an engineering report. The district will use the grant to develop a report intended to identify drinking water system improvements needed to enable the district to continue meeting drinking water quality standards and providing reliable water service.Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community. Through the grant, the district has an opportunity to assess its system and identify ways to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity, helping the district further satisfy public health and safe drinking water regulations. This assistance will help the community plan for future growth and development, and determine what actions are necessary to address its drinking water needs.The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. The department’s Financial Assistance Center provides funding opportunities for communities with water quality, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Department of Natural Resources awards $288,000 loan to Mokane https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-288000-loan-mokane 271976 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:16:26 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $288,000 loan to Mokane Karen Kremer Mon, 12/23/2024 - 16:16 Release Date Friday, December 27, 2024 City will plan and design water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 27, 2025 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $288,000 loan to the city of Mokane for planning and design work related to the city’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.The loan will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the city works with department to secure a larger loan and grant funding package for its drinking water project. The larger construction project is estimated to cost approximately $1.9 million and should start in 2026.The early planning phases of infrastructure projects often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities with water and wastewater needs. The Planning and Design Loan Program is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing that will allow communities to develop and deliver vital infrastructure projects for their citizens. These planning and design loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $53,000 in interest.“We are proud to offer qualified Missouri communities like Mokane funding assistance vehicles that can help them undertake water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We can tailor assistance programs for cities of all sizes so they can improve their treatment systems. This in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extensions, and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances upgrades in treatment system security, efficiency and conservation. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a department project manager.The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov Historic Preservation Council to consider nominations for National Register Jan. 10, 2025 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/historic-preservation-council-consider-nominations-national-register-jan-10-2025 271971 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:09:22 +0000 Historic Preservation Council to consider nominations for National Register Jan. 10, 2025 Karen Kremer Mon, 12/23/2024 - 16:09 Release Date Thursday, December 26, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 26, 2024 – The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places during its quarterly meeting at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 10 in LaCharrette and Nightingale Creek Conference Rooms at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City. Remote participation is also available as outlined below.Join Webex Meeting: stateofmo.webex.com/stateofmo/j.php?MTID=m669c77a35c3bcfc5359a942d5d1d5ec3Teleconference Call number: 650-479-3207WebEx meeting number (access code): 2863 160 4261Meeting password: X827qs48rEMPublic participants of this meeting are welcome to attend in person, via Webex using the link above or via telephone conference at the number above. This public meeting may be subject to audio and video recording.The following nominations will be considered at the meeting:Westhoff Grain and Mercantile Company Building, 108 S. Main, O’Fallon, Missouri, St. Charles County.MFA-Producers Creamery Company Dairy Plant, 1201 Ice Cream Way, Lebanon, Missouri, Laclede County.Kingshighway Hills Commercial Historic District Additional Documentation and Boundary Increase, 4247-49, 4251-4255, S. 4301-4305 S. Kinghighway Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri. East Plaza Apartments Historic District, 205-236 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., 127-237 E. 46th, 4618 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, Jackson County.Turner Hall, 300 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Cape Girardeau County.First Christian Church, 116 W. Gracia Ave., Marceline, Missouri, Linn County.       The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is a group of historians, architects, archaeologists and citizens with an interest in historic preservation. The council is appointed by the governor and works with the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the National Register of Historic Places program for Missouri. The council meets quarterly to review Missouri property nominations to the National Register, the nation's honor roll of historic properties. Approved nominations are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C., for final approval.More information, including draft nominations and meeting agenda, is included online. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov Department of Natural Resources awards $62,242 grant to Clinton https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-62242-grant-clinton 271966 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:03:29 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $62,242 grant to Clinton Karen Kremer Mon, 12/23/2024 - 16:03 Release Date Thursday, December 26, 2024 City will evaluate feasibility of regional sewer connectionJEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 26, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $62,242 in assistance to the city of Clinton to develop a facility plan for evaluating the feasibility of regionalizing a nearby wastewater treatment system. Funded through the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Regionalization Incentive Grant program, this grant will allow the city to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a sewer connection between Stoneridge Subdivision and the city’s wastewater system. The grant will fund 100% of the eligible costs to develop the plan, which is expected to be completed by January 2026.The department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Regionalization Incentive Grant is a competitive grant program that offers competitive funding to municipalities as an incentive to construct connections for small, struggling facilities. The entities responsible for these small facilities often lack the financial and technical resources to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities to meet more stringent limits and operate their facilities appropriately. These facilities typically serve such a small number of connections that the cost to comply with permit conditions is a significant financial challenge for the users.“The department’s intention for this grant is to decrease the number of point sources discharging pollutants to the state’s waterways by promoting regional partnerships that would not be possible otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Water and wastewater systems are crucial infrastructure that aid community health and economic vitality.”The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Department of Natural Resources awards $18.7 million in assistance to Little Blue Valley Sewer District https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-187-million-assistance-little-blue-valley-sewer-district 271961 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:01:02 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $18.7 million in assistance to Little Blue Valley Sewer District Karen Kremer Mon, 12/23/2024 - 16:01 Release Date Thursday, December 26, 2024 District will use funding for Middle Big Creek Phase 2 collection system extension and improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 26, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $18.7 million in financial assistance to the Little Blue Valley Sewer District for the Middle Big Creek Phase 2 collection system extension project. The funding will cover the project’s estimated total cost and the project is expected to be completed by June 2026.The project is expected to result in reduced sanitary sewer overflows by increasing the treatment system’s capacity to handle peak flow events. It will extend the wastewater system’s life and efficiency so that it can continue to serve the district well into the future.Project funding consists of a $17.9 million low interest loan and a $750,000 grant, both through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers $750,000 in principal and approximately $8.3 million in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“Significant endeavors usually require substantial investment, and this project perfectly reflects that reality,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “We are absolutely committed to making sure that Missourians in every community have access to quality infrastructure they rely on every day for life, health and economic opportunity.”“Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure, but maintaining and improving these systems can become a real challenge, especially for small communities,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “This grant helps facilitate partnerships that can more effectively develop regional projects that not only will reduce pollution entering Missouri’s environment but help improve the quality of life for Missourians.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extensions, and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances upgrades in treatment system security, efficiency and conservation. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a department project manager.The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov