Rural communities in 12 counties surrounding Springfield may apply for a share of $1 million in federal money to be used for transportation-related "enhancement" projects -- sidewalks, landscaping, bicycle trails and pedestrian trails.
A meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Missouri Department of Transportation office in Springfield to explain the program and application process. The MoDOT Springfield District Office is located at 3025 E. Kearney Street.
Cities, counties and other public agencies outside the Springfield Metropolitan Area are eligible to submit an application for up to $200,000 each. The program requires a local agency to provide a minimum of 20 percent of the total cost of such a project.
This money is earmarked by Congress for enhancement projects and cannot be used for road construction or maintenance.
The applications must go through MoDOT. The application deadline is June 1.
Each application submitted will be evaluated for eligibility and selection by a six-member committee that includes representatives from public agencies in the region outside of Springfield. Selected applications will be submitted to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for approval.
A project must fall into at least one of three categories -- Bicycle and Pedestrian; Scenic and Natural Resources; or Historic and Archeological. It must meet the requirements for one or more of the categories.
The program guide outlines full eligibility requirements.
Information on the program is available on MoDOT's web site. Go to www.modot.org/services and click on "Enhancement Funds."
Applications, a program guide and other program information may be obtained by calling Senior Transportation Planner Dawne Gardner at MoDOT's Springfield District office at 417-895-7662.
