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MARYVILLE

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News Brief

June 2, 2025 |  By: Gavin McGough

Improvements are mandatory from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency to the St. Joseph sewer system

Sewer line installation - Air Services 2024

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The sewer system in St. Joseph is aging; much of it was installed before the 1920s. A recent analysis revealed the system is in dire need of upgrades, and the city will have to increase utility rates to fund improvements. Those improvements will cost around 300 million dollars.

Federal regulatory agencies are requiring the city to complete the upgrades and comply with regulations by 2050. In a statement, the City Public Works Director Abe Forney noted "These improvements are not optional. They are mandated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency to protect the public and the environment."

City Council is currently considering a three percent rate increase in both 2025 and 2026 to fund the work. Rates in St. Joseph are already higher than those in neighboring communities, but the city notes its rates are comparable to other larger cities along the Missouri River, including Omaha and Kansas City. A rate increase could go into effect as soon as July. A public work session on June 9th will allow city councilmembers to discuss the issue.