Schell City joins CPWSD No. 1 of Vernon County

Missouri USDA director Janie Dunning presents Sherri Simmons, general manager of Consolidated Public Water Supply District #1 of Vernon County, with a plaque Wednesday. Photo by Gloria Tucker/Daily Mail

By Gloria Tucker

Nevada Daily Mail

Commemorating the more than $2 million loan from USDA rural development to improve Schell City's water system, Missouri USDA director Janie Dunning presented Sherri Simmons, general manager of Consolidated Public Water Supply District No.1 of Vernon County, a plaque Wednesday.

From left, Michael Logston of Bartlett and West, Schell City mayor Tom Haddix and David Rauch, represenative of Senator Claire McCaskill attend the award ceremony commending the rural water district.

"We struggle across the state with (high) fees," Dunning said. "You are a model of how to deal with these problems. Because of this, Schell City was able to keep their fees below 2 percent of the median income."

The money will be used to close Schell City's water supply well, treatment plant and elevated storage tank as they will purchase all water from Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1. The project includes the construction of a new well and clear well, construction of a 300,000 gallon elevated storage tank, 9 miles of transmission line from the new well to the new tower and more than 7 miles of transmission line from the new tower to Schell City. A master meter and pressure reducing valve will be installed at the Schell City connection. The district will serve an additional 147 customers through the Schell City connection.

"This is one of the smartest things Schell City could have done," Dunning said. "We're very grateful that Vernon County has the capacity. I'm very glad to see a community leadership who's not afraid to work across lines."

Dunning thanked the district for providing a basic need for the community.

"USDA rural development commends your interest in improving the lives of the citizens in your area," she said. "Your existing customers will greatly benefit from your use of these funds to make upgrades and expand the existing water system."

Representatives of senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt attended the presentation as well as the mayor and clerk of Schell City.