Help needed to secure $500K street paving grant

To pave some gravel roads within the Poplar Bluff city limits, the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is looking for survey responses from certain residents.

Felicity Ray, with Ozark Foothills, said they sent out 80 surveys to residents living on or near North Riverview Drive, Abington, Bradley, Center, Clyde, Clare and Marion streets before Thanksgiving.

Of those sent out, she continued, the office has received 15 back. At least 64 responses are needed to submit the application.

Data from these surveys will be used in a $500,000 grant request to pave over the gravel roads.

“From a resident’s view, it cuts down on dust caused by vehicular traffic,” she said.

Ray said paved roads also are safer, with fewer people losing control while driving, and they cost less for the city to maintain.

“The city has to regularly grade and place gravel on those roads,” she said. “They don’t have to do that anymore if it’s an asphalt surface.”

The grant is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It benefits low-to-moderate income communities.

Ray said the application is due at the end of the year. Part of the application includes establishing the area is in need.

To qualify for the grant, at least 51% of those in the area need to be low-to-moderate income.

The survey, Ray said, is to provide data to support the need in the area.

The project, she said, should cost an estimated $755,983. The city has agreed to pay the $214,984 estimated in labor and equipment.

Ray said it would likely be March or April before they hear a response about the grant. The city would have 24 months to complete the project.

If residents who receive the survey have lost them, Ray said, they can reach out to her for another copy.

They also can call her with questions at 573-300-9399.