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St. Francois County approves park grant applications, dump-truck bid and boat-launch match plan
Summary
The county commission approved a request to apply for a Missouri Department of Conservation pollinator-habitat cost-share, authorized bidding for a single-axle dump truck and confirmed use of labor as match for an RTP boat-launch grant.
St. Francois County commissioners voted to allow the parks department to apply for a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) cost-share program to establish pollinator habitat along park trails, approved a request to solicit bids for a single-axle dump truck and discussed plans tied to an RTP 2025 grant for a concrete boat launch and water trail improvements.
The parks presentation said the MDC cost-share would require a 20-species mix of sun- and shade-tolerant flowering plants and would reimburse the county for 50%–75% of eligible costs. Parks staff said the department has budgeted $3,000 for the planting and that the program is “state and federal” in nature; the commission approved the request to apply. Commissioner Butler moved to approve the grant application; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Commissioners also approved a request to advertise for bids on a single-axle dump truck. Parks Superintendent Mike Sumpter said the truck is tied to this year’s budget and that a formal spec sheet and advertisement will follow. Commissioners discussed timing and budget; the motion to allow the parks department to bid the truck was made, seconded and approved.
Park staff tied the vehicle request to the county’s RTP 2025 (Recreational Trails Program) grant work for a boat launch and water-trail project. The county said it has an informal pre-approval for the RTP award but awaits an official announcement (staff estimated formal notice in October or November). Instead of paying a cash match, parks staff said they will provide approximately $120,000 in county labor as the local match for excavation and other work required by the grant. Staff described the proposed launch as a concrete ramp at the confluence of Owl Creek and Big River intended for kayaks and small boats as part of a broader natural water-trail.
Commission discussion touched on project design (kayak-friendly ramp), grant timing and how labor will be documented as match. Commissioners voted in favor of the bid authorization and the related grant-application action.
The commission did not provide a roll-call vote tally in the record; motions were approved by voice vote.
Looking ahead, parks staff said they will return with formal bid specifications for the truck and with contract documents or grant acceptances when the RTP award and MDC reimbursement terms are finalized.
