Raytown board authorizes regional and parks grant applications including $24,200 tree-inventory request

Raytown aldermen approved staff requests to pursue several regional funding opportunities and a parks grant on July 2.

Parks Director Dave Turner asked for permission to apply to the Missouri Department of Conservation for $24,200 to update the city’s parks tree inventory and to complete tree maintenance. Turner said the program typically reimburses about 90% of eligible costs and helps the city maintain its Tree City USA designation; the board approved the application unanimously.

Separately, public-works staff presented a set of projects submitted to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)/STP process and the Connected KC 2050 ranking. Projects described included a 50 Fifth Street multi-use pathway, Woodson Road improvements with a roundabout, Gregory Boulevard road-diet elements, and signal replacement work. The Woodson project was estimated at roughly $11 million, of which staff described an expected 80% grant share if fully funded and a city match requirement for the remainder. The board authorized submitting up to about $13.17 million in MARC-related grant requests; the motion carried with one abstention (Alderman Emerson).

Board members discussed roundabouts, pedestrian safety, and how scores on regional rubrics affect competitiveness; staff said the prior KC-connected scoring left Raytown projects well ranked and encouraged further applications. The board’s authorization allows staff and consultants to finalize project materials and continue through regional timelines.

Next steps: staff will complete applications and follow MARC and Missouri Department of Conservation timelines for full submissions and notifications.