ST. LOUIS (KTRS) Workers for Missouri American water and Laclede Gas have teamed up to replace pipes damaged by recent flooding beneath the bed of the Meramec River in Kirkwood. Crews welded pipes the week of July 24 and drilling for the new pipeline begins the week of July 31.

Brian Russell with Missouri American Water says total price tag for the joint efforts is about $7.9 million.

Russell says the two utilities teamed up to save money by using the same contractor.