Contractors Sought for Roy Blunt Reservoir Dam as Construction Phase Begins
MILAN, Mo. — The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission (NCMRWC) is moving forward with the construction of the Roy Blunt Reservoir Dam and is now seeking qualified contractors for the multi-year project.
Following approval of its Acquisition and Procurement Plan, NCMRWC will implement a two-phase contractor solicitation. Phase 1 will prequalify general and specialty contractors through a Request for Qualifications. Phase 2 will involve unit pricing and best-value evaluations, resulting in the selection of a single general contractor.
The 79-foot-tall, 2,700-foot-long earthen dam will begin with construction of a below-ground seepage barrier, including a grout curtain, slurry wall and clay cutoff trench. Once the barrier is complete, full embankment construction will begin, along with a concrete spillway and raw water intake. The finished structure will create the 2,350-acre Roy Blunt Reservoir for water supply, flood control and recreation.
The project is a major economic driver for the region, expected to generate hundreds of construction and support jobs while providing long-term infrastructure that secures clean water access for thousands of rural Missourians. It will also boost tourism and local business by enhancing the area’s recreational potential.
The reservoir is a key part of a broader strategy to ensure water resiliency across north-central Missouri, reducing dependence on smaller, aging systems. It is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the region’s history, representing years of local planning and interagency coordination. The project’s scale and complexity reflect the increasing need for sustainable, regional water management solutions in a changing climate.
Extensive environmental planning has also been completed to protect nearby wildlife and natural areas. A conservation easement covering more than 1,600 acres will ensure the reservoir is surrounded by managed habitats, with oversight provided by the Missouri Conservation Foundation.
Olsson is overseeing dam design and construction, with Allstate Engineering serving as Owner’s Representative. Contractors must obtain RFQ documents at www.questcdn.com, Project No. 9654940.
“This is a big milestone,” said NCMRWC Chairman Harve Rhodes. “We’re ready to start building the reservoir that’s been years in the making.”
