Stormwater loans and grants at issue in Amendment 4By Sarah Wire and Valerie Insinna Amendment 4 would change several provisions in the Missouri Constitution regarding grants and loans for stormwater projects. First, the amendment would make only public water and sewer districts eligible for the grants and loans. The constitution now allows some municipal governments to apply for them. The amendment also would remove the cap on available funding and existing restrictions on disbursements and would require the proceeds of loan repayments to be used only for subsequent stormwater control projects. The amendment would cost the state up to $236,000 per year but would have no tax impact, according to the Missouri secretary of state's office. Supporters say Amendment 4 would make it easier for water and sewer districts to obtain the tax-free grants and loans. No organized public opposition has emerged. Boone County Public Works spokeswoman Georganna Bowman said that if the amendment passes, the county could apply for a grant to fix failing infrastructure in older subdivisions. |