Cole County signs resolution supporting Jefferson City's BUILD grant application

Cole County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 10 supporting Jefferson City’s application for a federal BUILD grant that would bundle the High Street viaduct replacement with a new riverfront connector bridge.

A presenter representing Jefferson City described a package that pairs an elevated viaduct-style replacement (estimated in the transcript at about $16.9 million for the viaduct and $7.5 million for a riverfront connector) with a pedestrian/connector bridge that would improve downtown riverfront access and private development potential. “We bundled the High Street viaduct replacement bridge with a new riverfront connecting bridge from the MSP or the new river market site over to Deborah Cooper Park,” the presenter said, arguing that bundling strengthens the grant application.

The presenter said the BUILD program maximum is $25 million and noted that the project’s location falls within a qualified census tract that could make it eligible for 100% federal funding rather than the typical 80/20 split. He also said the application is due Feb. 24 and that selections are likely around June, with federal funding potentially arriving later in the year.

Commissioners asked about parking impacts (staff estimated a loss of roughly 32–40 spaces depending on reconfiguration) and about the state’s level of support. The presenter said the governor’s office provided a letter of support and that state legislation to transfer needed property has moved through House committee and has a Senate sponsor.

A commissioner moved and the commission then voted to sign a resolution of support for Jefferson City’s BUILD grant application.