STODDARD WATER DISTRICTS WIN FUNDS TO STUDY CONSOLIDATION

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved financing a study on improving two water supply systems -- or creating a consolidated system for a larger number of customers.

State Rep. Marilyn Williams , D-Dudley, announced the funding this week.

The study will focus on improvements to Public Water Supply Districts 3 and 5 and will evaluate the systems' needs to continue to provide safe drinking water and meet drinking water standards.

The state agency will provide 90 percent of the costs not to exceed $10,000. The 10 percent matching money was provided by the Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority, which allocated $2,000, a move that cleared the way for approval of the state money.

Stoddard County Economic coordinator Gary Capps has been working toward such a study for several months. The project began when Public Water Supply District 3 officials, who have been trying to obtain funding for improvements to the system, were approached about providing water for the Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. power-generating plant near Idalia.