Congressman Cleaver Applauds $6 Million Grant to Construct New Water Treatment Plant in Lexington, Mo

Statement

United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) announcement of a $6 million grant being awarded to the City of Lexington to construct a new well field and water treatment plant. In February, Rep. Cleaver sent a letter to EDA Regional Administrator Angela Martinez advocating for the grant funding.

"I want to thank Mayor Aull for his partnership and efforts in bringing this funding to fruition," said Congressman Cleaver. "The people of Lexington have faced severe flooding events in recent years that have been catastrophic to the community. With this funding, the city will now have the ability to build a new water treatment facility and protective infrastructure to ensure the people of Lexington have clean, reliable drinking water no matter the weather conditions. This will not only benefit the people of Lexington, but will also incentivize investment and economic activity in the community. That's what I like to call a win-win."

"Congressman Cleaver has always been an advocate for Lexington and the rural areas in his district," said Joe Aull, Mayor of Lexington. "We are grateful to Congressman Cleaver for working with us to secure this $6 million grant to build a new water treatment plant."

The new water treatment plant and well field will be constructed in a location that will protect them from future Missouri River flood events. This will ensure that the people and businesses of Lexington will have a reliable drinking water source even during severe weather events.

In addition to protection from future flooding events, the new water treatment plant will be constructed near a federal Opportunity Zone. Opportunity Zones were created nationwide in 2017 to spur economic development in communities using investment incentives. As a proponent of program in Congress, Rep. Cleaver looks forward to seeing new development near the new water treatment plant in the future.

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