Coming Together to Combine Water Resources
Here in northern Missouri, we’re no strangers to drought conditions. Unfortunately, some experts are worried we don’t have nearly as many drinking water facilities as we would need to withstand a worst case drought scenario. Over the years, many of our region’s drinking water facilities have had to close for various reasons. Many of those still in operation wouldn’t be able to supply adequate amounts of drinking water if a severe drought were to hit our region.
That’s why it’s important for us to come together in support of solutions to this problem. One promising proposal is the construction of the East Locust Creek Reservoir in Sullivan County, just north of Milan. The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission has been hard at work laying the groundwork of the project for many years. All of the necessary land has been acquired for the reservoir, and dozens of structures have been cleared. The main obstacle now is securing additional federal and state support to fully fund the project’s final stretch.
The reservoir would be created by damming the East Locus Creek. When completed, it would be one of the 30 largest lakes in the state. Not only would the reservoir supply millions of gallons of drinking water to adjoining counties, but it would also serve as an economic boost to the entire northern Missouri area. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and infuse millions of dollars into the local economy, all while lowering the cost of nearby residents’ water bills. As an added benefit, it would become an excellent destination for boating, fishing and camping. Though construction of the East Locus Creek Reservoir is certainly expensive, I believe that, in the long run, it will be well worth the cost.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.