Marc Thornsberry, Springfield Public Works Director says, "There's a significant amount of stormwater needs all across the state. We're blessed with a lot of water resources, but there are a lot of needs in terms of stormwater."

Springfield Public Works Director Marc Thornsberry is hoping everyone will check yes on Amendment 4 next month.

Thornsberry says, “Certainly gives the DNR more flexibility and makes the funds easier the funds easier and more available to communities"

The funds in this case are 200 million dollars in bonds for stormwater projects. Voters approved the funding 10 years ago, but not a penny's been spent since 2002.

An IRS tax law change means the state can't sell the bonds and more than 150 million dollars in stormwater funding is just sitting in limbo.

Thornsberry says, "Unless we make these corrections it’s not going to be available."

Before the funding freeze, Springfield and Greene County had received 1.8 million dollars in grants which they turned into 3.6 million dollars in stormwater improvement projects.

Thornsberry says they're ready to do more; they just need a little help at the ballot box.

"It's not a lot of money, but any money you can get is very helpful."

The program could cost the state up to 236-thousand dollars a year, but again that is money that's been approved by voters already, just not being used.

According to Missouri's official fair ballot language, Amendment 4 will not have an impact on taxes.

It's also expected to save the state money on each bond issued compared to the original funding plan passed in 1998.