/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Fri, 17 May 2024 16:08:02 +0000 en-us https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/news/1984 https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/?p=1984 Fri, 17 May 2024 09:55:14 +0000 House Republicans called a media conference this morning calling on the Senate to take up and pass initiative petition reform on this, the final day of the legislative session: https://www.modot.org/node/47233 47233 at https://www.modot.org Fri, 17 May 2024 09:30:01 +0000 Online comment period for intersection/sidewalk cost share project in Blue Springs Visitor (not verified) Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:30 Comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on May 30 Project Missouri Route 7 Intersection and Sidewalk/ADA Improvements in Jackson JACKSON COUNTY– The Missouri Department of Transportation will host an online comment period (ongoing) until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, regarding intersection and sidewalk improvements on Missouri Route 7 from Shaw Parkway to U.S. 40. The online comment period opened at 4 p.m. on May 16. This project will be competed in a partnership with the City of Blue Springs. The project will include turn lane additions on Mock Ave. at MO 7, ADA upgrades to existing sidewalks and construction of sidewalks on the east side of MO 7 through the entire project area. To view project plans or to leave comments online between until 4 p.m. on May 30, visit Missouri Route 7 Intersection and Sidewalk/ADA Improvements in Jackson | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org). For additional questions and more information, customers may contact Project Manager Jodie Puhr at  jodie.puhr@modot.mo.gov. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity.  MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Fri, 05/17/2024 - 04:23 https://www.modot.org/node/47232 47232 at https://www.modot.org Fri, 17 May 2024 08:50:01 +0000 Route 162 in New Madrid County Reduced for Pavement Repairs Visitor (not verified) Fri, 05/17/2024 - 08:50 SIKESTON—Route 162 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.   This section of roadway is located from Route B to U.S. 61 near Portageville, Missouri.  Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, May 22 through Thursday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.   The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.                                                                                                                 ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Fri, 05/17/2024 - 03:42 https://www.modot.org/node/47231 47231 at https://www.modot.org Fri, 17 May 2024 08:40:01 +0000 Upcoming Planned Roadwork for Northeast Missouri, May 20 - 31 Visitor (not verified) Fri, 05/17/2024 - 08:40 HANNIBAL – The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks. All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Adair County Missouri Route 11 – May 20 – 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Rock Way to Steer Creek Way between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Audrain County Missouri Route 15 – May 20, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route D to North Wade Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. Missouri Route 15 – May 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route D to U.S. Route 54 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. Clark County U.S. Route 136 – May 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from the Schuyler County line to Medil in Clark County between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Lewis County Route Y – May 20 - 22, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 16 to Route H between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Route Y – May 22 - 24, CLOSED for patching operations from Route H to Route K between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Lincoln County Route D – May 22 – 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Norton Road to Palmer School Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Route D – May 20 - 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route E to Route TT between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Route D – May 24 and May 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route TT to Missouri Route 47 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Route TT – May 22 - 23, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route D to Mary Jo Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Macon County U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound and Westbound Passing Lanes) – May 28 – 30, LANE RESTRICTION for new transmission lines between Hickory Street crossover to Gantz Street bridge in Macon beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28th through 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30th. Route J – May 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 149 to Ballpark Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Route UU – May 20 – 24, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Fathom Place to U.S. Route 36 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Marion County U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – May 20 – 23, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route U to CR 244 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Monroe County Missouri Route 15 – May 20 - 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route MM to U.S. Route 24 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Montgomery County Route K – May 20 - 23, CLOSED for core drilling operations from Missouri Route 19 to Route P at Loutre River between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Schuyler County U.S. Route 136 (Eastbound) – May 20 - 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from City of Lancaster to Scotland County line between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Scotland County U.S. Route 136 – May 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from the Schuyler County line to Medil in Clark County between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Missouri Route 15 (Southbound) – May 29, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from U.S. Route 136 to the Knox County line between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Shelby County Missouri Route 15 – May 23, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from East Beech Street to West Elm Street in Shelbina between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. Missouri Route 15 – May 24, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from Route WW to CR 458 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – May 22, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from CR 471 to Route T between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – May 29, LANE RESTRICTION for clean-up following a recent traffic incident 1,600 feet east of Route PP, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. Route J – May 28 - 30, CLOSED for patching operations from Route J Spur to Missouri Route 15 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Route T – May 23, CLOSED for patching operations from Route AA to Missouri Route 168 between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Route U – May 31,  CLOSED for seal coat operations from Missouri Route 15 to the end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Route W – May 24, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 168 to Route J between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Route AA – May 22, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 15 to Route T between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Warren County Missouri Route 47 (Overpass) – May 19 - 20, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from I-70 eastbound to I-70 westbound beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19th through 4:00 a.m. Monday, May 20th. Route M – May 29 -30, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 47 to Route T between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Work with us in the work zone!  Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel.  With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second while driving, especially through a work zone.  Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you leave to see if you will encounter any work zones. Districts Involved Northeast Published On Fri, 05/17/2024 - 03:33 https://www.modot.org/node/47229 47229 at https://www.modot.org Fri, 17 May 2024 05:10:01 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: WB US 60 West of Route 65 OPEN Following Pipe Repair Visitor (not verified) Fri, 05/17/2024 - 05:10   Where: Westbound U.S. Route 60 (James River Freeway) west of U.S. Route 65 near the Glenstone Avenue exit When: As of 4:00 am, Friday, May 17 What: MoDOT and contractor crews have completed repairs to a damaged pipe under the roadway and to the inside shoulders, which closed one westbound lane and the inside shoulders of U.S. 60 on May 14. All lanes and shoulders are now open to traffic.   For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Fri, 05/17/2024 - 00:00 https://www.modot.org/node/47217 47217 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 15:20:01 +0000 Join MoDOT at the A-Frame to talk about the Rocheport Bridge Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:20 Saturday Superintendent Talk May 18 at 9 a.m. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The team working on the new Lance Corporal Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River (Rocheport) Bridge, including the Missouri Department of Transportation and the design-build contractor the Lunda Team, will gather with the public for a Saturday Superintendent Talk this Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. at the A-Frame Winegarden on the Blufftop at Rocheport. On the third Saturday of each month, March through October during the project’s construction, the team invites the public to join them at a location close to the bridge to discuss the current status and what travelers can expect in the immediate future. With the new bridge construction going on in the background, the public has a unique opportunity to listen to and ask questions of some of the key people involved in the project. The team will talk about progress made since the April talk and discuss the next phases of the project. There will also be an opportunity for the public to ask questions of the team. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.   For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram   Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down  ### Districts Involved Central Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:16 https://www.modot.org/node/47216 47216 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 15:10:01 +0000 Closures for pavement repair on the outer road near MO-7 South over I-49, extended through May 17 Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:10 Lane closures on the I-49 Outer Road from 283rd St. to 307th St. for pavement repair. CASS COUNTY – Crews working on the bridge replacement and intersection improvement project on MO-7 South will extend the following lane closures for pavement repair on the I-49 Outer Road, through May 17 (extended from May 13-15). This work is weather permitting. 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. (daily) Monday, May 13 extended through Friday, May 17 (extended from May 15) Various daily lane closures on the I-49 Outer Road (west side) from 283rd Street to 307th Street for pavement repair. The Outer Road will be open to through traffic only. Crews completed work on the bridge replacement and intersection improvement project on MO-7 South (275th street) over I-49. This project was finished ahead of the original completion date scheduled for the end of June 2024. Motorists may notice short-term closure as crews finalize work on the project. Crews replaced the existing MO-7 South bridge over I-49 and re-configured the interchange. The bridge structure had reached the end of service life and needed to be replaced. The interchange is now configured into a split diverging diamond interchange to better accommodate existing and future traffic demands. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:04 https://www.modot.org/node/47215 47215 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 15:10:01 +0000 Mo Route 72 in Madison County Reduced for New Turning Lanes and Signals Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:10 SIKESTON—Route 72 in Madison County will be reduced to one lane with a 14-foot lane restriction as contractor crews add new turning lanes and signals.  This section of roadway is located from Walton Drive to County Road 517 near Fredericktown, Missouri.  Weather permitting, work will take begin at 6 a.m. Monday, June 3 with completion anticipated Friday, Aug. 30.  The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact Resident Engineer Darius Dowdy at (573) 472-9041, MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast    Districts Involved Southeast Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:06 https://www.modot.org/node/47214 47214 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 15:00:01 +0000 Resurfacing Work to Begin on Route B in Audrain and Ralls Counties Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:00 HANNIBAL - Weather permitting, as early as the week of May 28, contractor crews will start work on a 19-mile resurfacing project on Route B in Audrain and Ralls counties, from Missouri Route 154 in Ralls County to U.S. Route 54 in Audrain County, 5.2 miles east of Mexico. Motorists can expect delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction in place where crews are actively working. Flaggers and a pilot car will be used to direct traffic through the work zone. For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, we would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and put down your cell phones to eliminate distractions. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change. The $4.4M contract, awarded to Christensen Construction Co., includes the additional resurfacing projects listed below. Routes will be completed in the order listed. Audrain/Boone County, Route FF - From Route Z in Boone County to 1 mile west of Missouri Route 15 at Mexico in Audrain County. The length of improvement is 13.5 miles. (Complete) Audrain/Boone County, Route D - From Route Z in Boone County to 0.1 mile south of Missouri Route 15 at Mexico in Audrain County. The length of improvement is 16.2 miles. (In Progress) Audrain County, Route M - From Route FF to Route D near Mexico. The length of improvement is 2.2 miles. (In Progress) As additional schedule details become available, the public will be alerted to traffic impacts through signs, news releases and social media. All work is expected to be completed by November 1, 2024. For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636). Work with us in the work zone! Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel. With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second while driving, especially through a work zone. Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you travel. Districts Involved Northeast Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:59 https://www.modot.org/node/47213 47213 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 14:40:01 +0000 Howard County Route P scheduled to close after Memorial Day Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 14:40 Bonne Femme Creek Bridge deck replacement project begins May 28 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The project to replace the bridge deck (driving surface) of the Howard County Route P bridge over Bonne Femme Creek, at the east city limits of New Franklin, is scheduled to begin immediately following the Memorial Day holiday. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. to complete the project. Route P is expected to close to all traffic at the bridge on Tuesday, May 28, and remain closed around-the-clock through the end of August. During the closure, motorists will need to use an alternate route. For more information, or to sign up for project-specific updates, visit the project’s webpage at https://www.modot.org/route-p-bridge-rehabilitation-over-bonne-femme-creek-howard-county. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.    For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:  Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram    Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down   ###  Districts Involved Central Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:32 https://www.modot.org/node/47212 47212 at https://www.modot.org Thu, 16 May 2024 14:30:01 +0000 Free, Hands-on Safe Driving Clinics for Newly Licensed Drivers May 18-19 in Kansas City, MO Visitor (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 14:30 Kansas City, MO - Keeping teens safe on the roads is the goal of four free upcoming half-day driving skills clinics sponsored by Ford in partnership with the Governors Highway Safety Association, and the Missouri Department of Transportation. The clinics will be held from 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on May 18 and 19 at Manheim Kansas City, 3901 N Skiles Ave #9305, Kansas City, MO 64161. More information is available at www.drivingskillsforlife.com. “Providing real life, behind-the-wheel training is crucial in forming safe driving habits in this next generation of drivers,” said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s Assistant State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “The education these teen drivers are getting is invaluable and will only become more necessary as technologies continue to develop.” According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens; however, over the last two decades, fatal crashes involving teens fell 38% (GHSA). Additionally, there has been an alarming, rapid increase in pedestrian deaths since 2009, with drivers killing more than 7,500 people walking in 2022 – the most in four decades. This surge is due to a variety of factors, including U.S. streets being designed primarily to move cars quickly at the expense of keeping everyone safe (GHSA, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State, 2023). Per mile driven, drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times as likely to be killed in a crash compared to other drivers. In 2023, there were 21,562 crashes in Missouri involving a teenage driver, resulting in 8,508 injuries and 132 fatalities according to data from Missouri’s statewide integrated traffic records system. Now in its third decade, Ford Driving Skills for Life pairs newly licensed or permitted drivers with professional driving instructors for hands-on driver training in a safe, closed-course environment. Developed by Ford Philanthropy, GHSA and a panel of safety experts, the program addresses issues and critical factors that influence crashes, including vehicle handling, hazard recognition, speed and space management, distracted driving and impaired driving. The program supports a Safe System Approach, which prioritizes the elimination of crashes that result in death and serious injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility among all road users. New this year, the clinics now feature a Safety in Mobility module, which places an added emphasis on educating young drivers about pedestrian and cyclist safety. The new module engages teens in lessons around electric scooter safety and a safety technique that aims to stop cyclists and pedestrians from being hit by car doors. There is also a virtual reality component involving stationary bicycles. ###  Media are invited to attend the event. Please contact Stephanie Jarnagan, Ford Fund, 480-201-7572,  Stephanie@thinkcommaz.com.     Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:28 https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/ded-awards-6-million-tax-credits-37-organizations-through-youth-opportunities-program-0 4951 at https://ded.mo.gov Thu, 16 May 2024 12:45:35 +0000 DED awards $6 million in tax credits to 37 organizations through the Youth Opportunities Program Chase Lindley Thu, 05/16/2024 - 12:45 May 16, 2024 Jefferson City The Department of Economic Development announced today that it will award $6 million in 50% tax credits to 37 organizations throughout Missouri through the Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) during its 2024 cycle.“We’re proud to assist organizations that provide critical services to Missourians through the Youth Opportunities Program,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Recipients of this program are putting funds to good use by implementing projects that make lasting, positive differences for youth statewide.”YOP helps broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth. The program allows organizations to leverage private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses and individuals making contributions to approved youth development or crime prevention projects. YOP funds a variety of project types, including degree completion, internships and apprenticeships, mentoring, substance abuse prevention, violence prevention, counseling, and more.“We’re grateful to partner with recipients of the Youth Opportunities Program as they improve lives, strengthen communities, and help Missourians prosper,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development.A total of up to $6 million is awarded through YOP annually, with projects limited to $200,000 in tax credits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, education institutions, faith-based organizations, local governments, and businesses that meet program requirements. YOP is administered by the Division of Business and Community Solutions. The full list of 2024 YOP recipients is available here.For more information about the program, including upcoming application cycles, eligibility criteria, and frequently asked questions, visit the YOP webpage.Testimonial from YOP recipient organization - Children’s Home Society of Missouri, St. Louis region“We are grateful for the Youth Opportunities Program, which will help Children’s Home Society of Missouri support 460 children and family members heal from the effects of developmental trauma this year. YOP tax credits allow donors to increase their contribution to Children’s Home Society of Missouri, making a larger impact in our communities. Coupled with the fact that Children’s Home Society of Missouri offers high-quality mental health services at no cost to clients, the Youth Opportunities Program helps remove barriers to care, ensuring access for all who qualify. Recovery from trauma is complex. The ability for Children’s Home Society of Missouri to provide long term support for families through clinical services, assessments, and caregiver and parent education classes lets families know successful treatment is not one-size-fits-all.”About the Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentThe Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website. Thu, 16 May 2024 11:07:00 +0000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 16, 2024Contact: JoDonn Chaney, (573) 526-0949   Ashcroft Announces Braille Enhanced StoryWalks Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office announced today that the Missouri State Library and Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library are making available https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-278000-howard-county-public-water-supply-district-no-2 257871 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 16 May 2024 10:37:26 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $278,000 to Howard County Public Water Supply District No. 2 Karen Kremer Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:37 Release Date Thursday, May 16, 2024 District will plan and design drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 16, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $278,000 interest-free loan to the Howard County Public Water Supply District No. 2 for planning and design work related to the district’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.These funds will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the district works to secure a larger loan and grant package from the department for their drinking water project. The larger improvement project is expected to total nearly $2.1 million and construction is estimated to start in 2025.The early planning phases of infrastructure projects often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities with water and wastewater needs. The Planning and Design Loan Program provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing, allowing communities to complete vital infrastructure projects. These loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s customers approximately $43,500 in interest over the loan’s five-year term.“The department is proud to offer funding assistance vehicles that can help qualified communities undertake water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We can tailor assistance programs for communities of all sizes so they can improve their treatment systems. This in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment and distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, as well as interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a project manager.The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information about drinking water and wastewater funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov http://dhewd.mo.gov/newsapp/newsitem/uuid/d767f552-b60f-491b-8d22-aa4ea7a98833 http://dhewd.mo.gov/newsapp/newsitem/uuid/d767f552-b60f-491b-8d22-aa4ea7a98833 Tue, 14 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000