Stoddard County reallocates federal funds to repair water lines damaged by mining

BLOOMFIELD — The Stoddard County Commission approved a motion to reallocate federal funds to Public Water and Sewer District 5 for damaged water lines caused by mining activities near Nestle Purina’s production plant on Monday.

PWSD 5 Board of Director, David Cooper said, “Nestle Purina bulldozed across our lines and we installed a valve to turn the water off.”

Cooper continued, “We need to do more research and talk with them to clarify mining operations.”

C.D. Stewart asked, “Have you spoke with anyone at Nestle about helping cover the cost?”

Cooper replied, “Not at this time.”

Cooper distributed a spreadsheet containing drawdown request for projects funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated since 2023. The spreadsheet indicates $31,311.15 in ARPA funds were approved for Project 1 and $3,896.72 remains in funding. The spreadsheet shows $200,661.28 in ARPA funds was approved for Project 2.

Project 2 was divided into the following seven categories with remaining funds listed accordingly: 2023 work truck ($9,848.13), plant/tower maintenance ($1,912.59), digital mapping ($2,024.25), utility location mark ($9,249.54), heat/ac office and plant ($6,000), meter replacement ($1,503.88), and water valve replacement ($1,496.15).

Stewart asked, “Can the remaining funds be used for replacing the cost of the valve and expansion to new homes on County Road 514?”

ARPA administrator, Katelyn Lambert responded, “As long as it’s for infrastructure, it will qualify.”

Stewart made a motion to approve the request for reallocating $29,026.78 in ARPA funds for PWSD 5 infrastructure. Commissioner Wes Howard seconded the motion. Stewart and Howard agreed to approve the motion. Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis was absent.

It was learned Missouri was the number one producer of refractory clay (kitty litter) in the U.S. Missouri ranked ninth in production of common clay bricks. Currently, clay is being produced in 15 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Nestle Purina operates a clay mining operation in Stoddard County to supply the production of pet waste absorbent (kitty litter).