Council approves wastewater study, airport improvements
The Joplin City Council unanimously voted to approve a new wastewater study for the years 2020 through 2024 in and outside of the city. The $51,900 agreement with Burns and McDonnell Engineering, who also conducted a previous rate study analysis in 2013 and 2014.
The current sewer rates went into effect in 2015 after the aforementioned rate study was conducted. Those rates will end on December 31, 2019. This study will encompass the current debts owed by the city on bonds after borrowing money against the SRF (State Revolving Funds) for plant expansions and also for the city’s 430 mile plus collection system for both treatment and maintenance of the system that is discharged in accordance with our NPDES permit issued by the State of Missouri. The funds come from the wastewater sewer funds.
Council also unanimously approved some improvements to Joplin Regional Airport. including the reconstruction of Taxiway D. The total cost for the project is over $7 million but the city will only pay $371,000 due to a Federal Grant based on a 95/5 Federal/Local share. Airport Manager Steve Stockam spoke to the council and said that getting this project started is something they are eager to do. With the approval of flights to Chicago, Stockam notes that the reconstruction will be needed with more flights in and out of Joplin and this will cater to the larger aircraft than what they had been using.
Council also approved an equipment transfer between the Joplin Regional Airport and Kirksville Regional Airport for an ARFF truck. The city claims that due to increases in commercial service size aircraft at JLN, their existing Index A truck is no longer of any use. The FAA has funded a new Index B ARFF truck for the airport. In order to release the City of Joplin of any Liability and Financial Responsibility for the Grant, an equipment transfer to an FAA eligible Airport was the best solution. The FAA identified the Kirksville Regional Airport as an eligible Airport with need in the State of Missouri.