Commerce Department Grant Aids Branson Wastewater Treatment Plant

Branson is being impacted by the Commerce Department’s $3 million infrastructure grant. the project was “made possible by the regional planning efforts led by Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) which EDA funds.”

The project was “made possible by the regional planning efforts led by Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) which EDA funds.”

Branson is being impacted by the Commerce Department’s $3 million infrastructure grant; the project was “made possible by the regional planning efforts led by Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) which EDA funds.”

According to a press release, “U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the city of Branson” the money is going to help “to construct a floodwall needed to protect infrastructure vital to the business community from flooding. The EDA grant will be matched with $6.6 million in state funds.” Raimondo said that “President Biden is committed to helping communities impacted by natural disasters implement strategies to protect and grow their communities.”

Dennis Alvord is Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “EDA plays an important role in supporting locally-driven disaster recovery and resiliency strategies,” said. “This EDA investment will protect the Compton Drive wastewater treatment plant to ensure that local businesses can remain operational in the event of future floods,” Alvord said

Governor Mike Parson spoke to the news of the grant as well. “Historic flooding hit the Branson community in 2017, disrupting thousands of lives and livelihoods all across the southwest region. Today’s announcement includes more than $9.5 million in state and federal funds to create a floodwall that will go a long way in helping to mitigate future flood risk and protecting residents and the local economy.”

(by: JonChristopher Collins)