The city of Russellville remains in the early phases of two major improvement projects.
“We’re trying to do things to enhance the community,” City Clerk Jan Wyatt said.
With the federal government shut down, the wastewater treatment plant project is still in the waiting process. The current three-cell lagoon is not compliant with Missouri Department of Natural Resources and needs to be replaced.
“With the government shutdown, USDA is on furlough, our component of USDA is on furlough, so when they come back to work, then we’ll be able to proceed with bidding,” Wyatt said.
Residents approved a $2.4 million bond issue for the treatment plant in 2014. Since then, the city has acquired a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development low-interest direct loan for $1.35 million, a USDA-RD $830,000 grant and a Community Development Block grant for $500,000.
Once the city receives the green light, the project will go out to bid for at least a month.
The city also received a $220,000 grant from the Cole County Commission last August to go toward a stormwater infrastructure project.
Wyatt said the stormwater project is still in its planning phase. The project has been contracted with engineering firm Bartlett & West to address “localized flooding.”
The city plans to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in April to help with the cost.
Repavement and repair of Vine Court used $32,014.32 of $100,000 from the city’s Cole County sales tax revenue. The city has five years to use the tax funds. Several other streets have been repaved previously using this fund.
Russellville’s 2019 budget has $49,229 in the street fund.
The two projects along with general street and stormwater maintenance are expected to cost the city $3.89 million.