EAST LOCUST CREEK RESERVOIR AWARDED $25 MILLION IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS 

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Bid Lettings Followed By Pre-Construction Activities to Commence in Coming Months 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Brad Scott 

November 17, 2020 816-590-0264 

MILAN, MO – The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission (Commission) was notified of award of $25 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund design and construction of the East Locust Creek Reservoir. In addition, Senator Roy Blunt announced approval of an appropriation from Senate Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member, of $5.6 million also for design and construction. 

“This important funding brings the East Locust Creek Reservoir Project one step closer to completion, providing another much needed investment in North Central Missouri,” said Rep. Sam Graves. “This project has been a long time in the making and will give assurance to our farmers, businesses and residents in the region that water will be there when they need it. Having advocated for this project from day one, I’ll continue to ensure that it remains a priority on the federal level until it is completed. I’m thrilled that East Locust Creek Reservoir has received this funding and congratulate all who have tirelessly worked to bring the project to this point.” 

“This investment in the East Locust Creek Reservoir Project is great news for families, farmers, and local businesses,” said Blunt. “These additional resources will get us one step closer to finishing the project and bringing an end to the severe water shortages that have disrupted businesses and daily life in the area. Improving water infrastructure and reliability will, in turn, create a stronger foundation for economic development in the years to come. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government continues to make this project a priority.” 

Scott Edwards, State Conservationist, NRCS stated, “The additional funds highlight the importance that NRCS places on the East Locust Creek Reservoir Project. This critical infrastructure project will have multi-purposes, including supplying much needed water to 10 counties and reduction in downstream 

flooding. We look forward to working with the local sponsor and other partners to implement the watershed plan in the future.” 

Harve Rhodes, Chairman of the Commission stated, “We are so grateful to have the support in Washington from Senator Blunt and Congressman Graves. Both gentlemen have been ardent supporters and tireless leaders in helping North Central Missouri break the choke-hold of inadequate water supply.” Rhodes added, “I am also grateful for the Project Team and local supporters who have persisted against long odds. Very soon, the people of North Central Missouri will see tangible proof that their persistence has paid off. “ 

The ELCR has a majority of the federal-side funding necessary to construct the reservoir. It is hoped that pre-construction activities, including Construction Access construction and Timber Harvest can begin in the very near future with larger contract lettings to occur later in 2021. 

Timber harvest and clearing activities can only occur between November 1 and March 31. The Commission is hoping not to miss a timber harvest season as construction on the dam site cannot commence until the trees are removed.