Nixa council approves $100,000 budget amendment to back Recreational Trails Program grant application

On Feb. 10 the Nixa City Council voted to approve Council Bill 2026-05, authorizing the city administrator to apply for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding and amending the 2026 budget to appropriate $100,000 for matching funds.

Parks Director Matt Fest told council the request covers a cash match above the required 20% to strengthen the grant application. "We are asking for a $100,000, which is over the 20% match, just to get a few extra points for that grant," he said, adding the $100,000 would only be expended if the city receives the RTP award. Fest said the city already has $250,000 budgeted for the related park-and-trails project and plans to start parking-lot and trail work while waiting on grant results later in the year.

Anna Evans of Show Me Christian County spoke during the public hearing in support of the application, saying the project aligned with statewide outdoor recreation priorities (SCORP) and regional connectedness goals. "This is a great project," she said, adding trails and greenways help attract businesses and increase property values.

The motion to approve passed by roll call with the council voting in favor (recorded as 6–0). The ordinance amendment authorizes the city administrator to accept RTP funds and appropriates the local match; staff will proceed with the grant application and, if awarded, apply the match appropriation to project work.