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Clay County to pursue up to $20 million in EPA funds for High Ridge road and water needs
Summary
County staff told commissioners Sept. 10 they will prepare an application to the EPA 'Community Change' grant for High Ridge infrastructure improvements. Commissioners prioritized roads and stormwater, asked for a draft budget breakdown to be presented by Sept. 24, and suggested pairing roads and water in the request.
Grants staff informed the Clay County Board on Sept. 10 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering Community Change grants intended to improve conditions in disadvantaged communities, with applicants eligible to request between $10 million and $20 million.
Megan Covey from the grants department said EPA provides technical assistance and a rolling review process; the formal application deadline is Nov. 21. Staff proposed three options: a single $20 million request for street improvements (millings, paving, shoulders, sidewalks, drainage), a split application ($10M roads + $10M water/sewer), or a $20M roads request with separate coordination with the CCUA (Clay County Utility Authority) for water/sewer.
Commissioners stressed that roads are the High Ridge community’s top priority. Commissioner Condon said High Ridge includes roughly 20 miles of dirt roads and urgent problems (blocked garbage trucks, school bus access and stormwater failures) and urged the board to include drainage/stormwater and to lay water mains during road construction for future connectivity. County engineering staff said a realistic total budget for full neighborhood improvements could approach $30 million, depending on unopened rights‑of‑way that require clearing.
The board directed staff to work with engineering, CCUA and EPA technical assistance to prepare a proposed budget breakdown and to place a funding authorization on the Sept. 24 consent agenda so the county can submit a competitive application.
