Poplar Bluff city officials say new funding has been secured for a Highway 67 south project to bring the effort back to its pre-COVID-19 levels.
The first four miles of the four-lane project of Highway 67 south to the Arkansas border are once again fully funded, with the announcement at Monday’s city council meeting.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded approximately $3.1 million from its Cost Share program, said city manager Matt Winters. The money replaces funding lost for the second mile of the project.
“It’s exciting news for us,” said Winters. “We’re excited as this project starts to move forward.”
Construction for the first mile of the project is expected to be put out for bid in the fall of 2021, said Bill Robison, chairman of the Highway 67 Corporation. Construction for the next three miles is expected to be put out for bid by the end of 2022. An updated environmental study for the project is expected to receive federal approval in the coming months.
Funding had previously been secured through state grants for phases 1 and 2 of the project. Phases 1 and 2 include a total of four miles in the 12-mile project.
“Our goal has been to leverage local dollars and then bring state money to the table, which we’re doing,” Robison said prior to the council meeting.
A portion of the Phase 1 funding was lost after Missouri’s fuel tax collections were impacted by lower travel during COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, explained Robison.
The new grant restores funding for Phase 1 to the pre-COVID levels, Robison said.
Phase 1 is now broken into an A and B portion.
The first mile, or Phase 1A, will continue to be covered by the city of Poplar Bluff, the Governor’s Cost Share program and the MoDOT’s Southeast district.
The second mile, or Phase 1B, will now be covered through MoDOT’s cost share program, the city of Poplar Bluff and MoDOT’s Southeast District.
Phase 2, which is also two miles, remains fully funded through money from the city, MoDOT’s Cost Share program and the Southeast District.
Funding has not been secured for phases 3 and 4, the final eight miles. Money was sought from the federal Build Grant program but the project’s first application was unsuccessful, Robison said.
Plans are to reapply for federal money in 2021, although project officials say they are uncertain what federal programs may be in place with the change of administration.
“We’re hoping the U.S. Department of Transportation continues a similar rural transportation program,” Robison said, adding federal funds have always been a part of the planning process for this project. “That’s going to be key, getting federal participation. I think it’s a very important route for Arkansas and Missouri. It’s a great project. It has benefits beyond just Poplar Bluff or the state of Missouri, so to me it’s an ideal fit for federal funding.”
Winters thanked MoDOT officials, state representatives and senators and the Highway 67 Corporation for their help with this project.
The city of Poplar Bluff’s costs for the Highway 67 south project are funded through a Highway 67 sales tax approved by voters in 2019.
Funding breakdown:
• Phase 1a — 1 mile; $2.7 million, Governor’s Cost Share; $5.7 million, city; $1.5 million, Southeast district.
• Phase 1b — 1 mile; $3 million, MoDOT Cost Share; $3.6 million, city; $600,000, Southeast district.
• Phase 2 — 2 miles; $5.1 million, MoDOT Cost Share; $6.9 million, city; $1.8, Southeast district.
• Phase 3 and Phase 4 are not currently funded, but will include about 8 miles.