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Council approves intergovernmental agreement to pursue $12M Route 47 improvements; city’s local share capped at $600,000
Summary
The council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Franklin County to seek additional funding for a 4,000‑foot, four‑lane extension of Missouri Route 47. If successful, the city’s maximum local match would be $600,000 (split with the county) after a MoDOT cost‑share and a planned federal STP grant application.
The Washington City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Franklin County intended to add roughly $12 million of improvements to Missouri Route 47, aiming to secure additional state and federal funding for a 4,000‑foot, four‑lane stretch just south of the city limits.
City Administrator Darren and staff described the multi‑step funding strategy: apply for MoDOT’s cost‑share program, which if awarded would reduce the $12 million request to $6 million; then apply for federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds in 2026, where the city would seek 80 percent of the $6 million (about $4.8 million). That would leave a local match of about $1.2 million, which the city and Franklin County proposed to split evenly, leaving a $600,000 maximum local exposure for the city.
Darren summarized the local design and timing rationale: capturing additional funds increases the city’s influence over the design of the segment between the current city limit and the planned East–West Parkway connection. Construction was discussed as likely in 2028 if funding proceeds as planned.
Why it matters: the agreement is a formal first step toward increasing the scope of a multi‑mile MoDOT project; the city would gain a greater role in how the corridor is designed near its southern boundary in exchange for sharing a modest local match if federal funds are secured.
Key details
- Project scope: an approximately 4,000‑foot, four‑lane addition near the city’s southern limits as part of a larger 12.7‑mile MoDOT project on Route 47. - Estimated added project cost covered by the city/county cost‑share request to MoDOT: $12,000,000 (project proponents will request $6,000,000 from MoDOT cost‑share, then apply for federal STP funds for $4.8M, leaving $1.2M local match split $600k each). - Timeline discussed: apply to MoDOT cost‑share in 2025; apply for federal STP funds in February 2026; construction estimated in 2028 if funding awarded.
Council and staff comments
Councilmember Patke introduced the ordinance authorizing the intergovernmental agreement and said the arrangement would improve the city’s leverage on design for the stretch of roadway. Darren said Franklin County planned to consider the measure at its upcoming workshop and commission meeting and that the county has been broadly supportive.
Votes and actions
- Ordinance authorizing the intergovernmental agreement with Franklin County for cost share on Missouri Route 47 improvements — outcome: approved by the council (roll call recorded in the meeting minutes). The ordinance passed and staff was authorized to pursue the MoDOT cost share application and subsequent federal STP application.
Ending
Staff will proceed with the cost‑share application to MoDOT and prepare the federal STP application in early 2026; the council will revisit local match commitments as grant decisions become final.
