GROUNDBREAKING PLANNED FOR VALVE WORK

Cape Girardeau's water supply will be a little safer after crews install a new water valve on a tank that holds 2 million gallons to keep the water from spilling out in a natural disaster.

Work should begin next week. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. today at the Gordonville Water Storage Tank No. 1.

The valve will automatically shut off water flow from the storage tank in the event of an earthquake. The project also includes installing seismic sensors at the Cape Rock Water Treatment Plant and the Ramsey Branch Water Treatment Plant.

The project totals $99,000 and is funded through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Project Impact and the city.

It is the first such project funded by Project Impact, a program designed to help communities become more disaster resistant.