Republic reauthorizes reapplication to MoDOT cost-share program for State Highway M improvements

Republic— The City Council voted 8-0 to authorize staff to reapply to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission cost-share program to fund transportation improvements on State Highway M from the James River Expressway to Interstate 44.

The motion followed a presentation by Karen Hanes, community development director, who told council the city initially applied in April 2021 and was awarded funds to begin engineering. Hanes said the project scope and construction estimates have since increased and the original award no longer represents the current project.

"The application is due this spring with awards expected midsummer," Hanes said, and the city is recommending council approval to reapply. Hanes described the project as a collaboration with project partners and said the application includes widening from the James River Expressway to I-44 to four lanes with one signalized intersection.

City Manager Mr. Cameron emphasized the project involves a state highway and said the city would not provide additional local funding beyond previously identified sources. "To be clear, that is a state highway. It's not a city project... It is not requiring additional funding from the city. I've made it clear that we will not add an additional nickel on that project," Cameron said.

Council approved taking up and voting on the resolution immediately; the measure passed 8-0-0. Hanes said staff will submit the updated application; awards are expected midsummer, and funding decisions will determine the next steps for project engineering and construction.

Key details: application due this spring; awards expected midsummer; scope includes widening the corridor to four lanes and one signalized intersection; project partners include MoDOT and regional stakeholders. The city first applied for engineering funds in April 2021.