“In order to get the land to where it would be attractive to private investment, they need to do something about that side channel that’s been filled in,” Eigel said on the Senate floor last week. “That’s where this money comes in. So this money is preparing the land that the city owns to be able to support future private development.”

He said the channel would resemble a shallow reflecting pool, but Temme said officials had still not decided on what the channel would ultimately look like.

Not everyone is happy about the state spending.

“Why is it the state’s responsibility to take care of St. Charles’ private infrastructure concerns?” asked Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur. “Why would the people of my district, or any other district in the state, want to hand over this money to St. Charles for St. Charles’ benefit — solely for St. Charles’ benefit. So, I’m concerned about it.”

Eigel said other local infrastructure projects the state funds aren’t considered handouts, and he said the filling in of side channels on the Missouri River contributes to flooding.

He said the city had originally sought grant money through the Army Corps of Engineers.