Anita J. (Janie) Dunning, Missouri State Director for USDA Rural Development, presented a Certificate of Congratulations to the City of Gallatin on Sept. 13, in recognition of funding the city has received for a new water plant.
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The funding for the water system improvements consist of a $3.296 million loan and a grant of $819,490 through the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program. These funds will be used to construct a new water treatment plant that will insure a potable water supply to the 1,789 residents of Gallatin and to Daviess PWSD #2, which purchases water from the city. These improvements will address much needed maintenance and operational issues with the city’s existing older water treatment plant.
"Having an environmentally safe water system is important and I commend all the partners for their hard work in making this project a reality," said Dunning. "I am pleased that the residents of the city of Gallatin will benefit from a substantially improved water system."
"The new water treatment plant will insure that a safe and adequate water supply will be available to Gallatin’s residents, businesses and the water district," said Gallatin Mayor Barbara Ballew. Noting that the day was a highlight of her term as mayor thus far, she added: "This project will allow for an efficient and economical public water system. The city of Gallatin would like to thank our elected officials for their support of these projects and the financial assistance available through USDA Rural Development. We would also like to thank City Administrator Zac Johnson for his dedication and work in securing the funding."
"We want to thank the citizens of Gallatin for filling out the LMI forms," said Lance Rains, community development coordinator, with the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission, located in Trenton. "We would not have been able to secure the $500,000 in additional grant funds without the cooperation of the people of Gallatin who sent back the LMI forms."
The additional grant funds were through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG.) The Missouri Department of Economic Development administers CDBG funds to eligible applicants that are at least 51% Low to Moderate in income.
Snyder and Associates, Engineers and Planners LLC of St. Joseph are the engineers for the project.
By obtaining Rural Development financing, a fixed interest rate of 2.875% with a 35-year repayment term was secured for the $3.296 million loan for the water system improvements. USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs are available to eligible entity’s to provide financing for public water and sanitary sewer facilities for rural residents.
Dunning added, "Special thanks are extended to our federal elected officials for making available the federal funds for these kinds of projects. This project mirrors President Obama’s initiative and exemplifies the Rural Development mission — committed to the future of rural communities."