U.S. Sen. Blunt talks importance of East Locust Creek Reservoir Project
MILAN, Mo. — Residents in a combined 10 counties in north central and northeast Missouri suffer from inadequate water supply options.
But, a major project that would combat that issue, the East Locust Creek Reservoir, is continuing to move forward.
Friday in Milan, members of the North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission updated the community as well as U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, of Missouri, on the project.
This project is currently the largest reservoir ever sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS.
When complete, it will be 6.5 miles long, with 82 miles of shoreline and designed to provide 7 million gallons of water a day to 10 counties.
During Friday's gathering, NRCS State Conservationist J.R. Flores joined Sen. Blunt in announcing $5 million for design and construction of the reservoir.
Blunt adds that this project will provide numerous benefits for those that live in the area.
"Water is a real problem in north Missouri. If you don't have water, the businesses aren't able to think about being here, the school district is challenged, families don't know if they should make the kind of long term commitment that families need to make in communities like this. This infrastructure, water, broadband, transportation system that works, all will make a difference in communities like this."
To date, the East Locust Creek Reservoir Project has spent or will spend approximately $17 million in local funds, $7 million in state funds and $65 million in federal funds.
Commission members say Sen. Blunt has enabled more than $40 million to be available for this project.
To learn more about the East Locust Creek Reservoir Project, click here.
