Republic to seek MoDOT TAP engineering funds for three sidewalk gaps on Hind Street

City staff asked the council to approve a program agreement enabling the city to pursue Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds from the Missouri Department of Transportation to engineer three sidewalk gaps along Hind Street.

Project engineer Stephanie Fitzpatrick Duncan told the council the agreement would allow the city to receive up to $246,906 for engineering services to fill the three designated sidewalk gaps (between Butternut Avenue and Main Street, Oakwood Avenue and Franklin Avenue, and between Lincoln Avenue and Wilson's Creek Boulevard/Route ZZ). She said the engineering deliverables would enable future construction grant applications and more accurate construction budgets.

Fitzpatrick Duncan said the TAP award is an 80/20 program (80% grant funds, 20% city match); staff noted the city has budgeted roughly $100,000 in the 2026 capital budget as its anticipated match but will retain flexibility in engineering procurement and final cost negotiations. Council members asked whether right‑of‑way issues would be evaluated; the engineer said right‑of‑way assessment is part of the engineering scope. The council approved the first reading for the ordinance on a 7–0 voice vote.

If approved in later actions, the engineering phase will position the city to apply for construction funds and better estimate total project costs and schedules.