Republic council authorizes application for Safe Streets for All grant to fund Route M safety improvements

The City of Republic voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for Safe Streets for All grant funding to support safety improvements along Route M between the James River Freeway and Hale Street.

Karen Haynes, director of community development, told the council the grant application—prepared in partnership with the Ozarks Transportation Organization and the Missouri Department of Transportation—could fund up to $11,000,000 in engineering, right-of-way, utility and construction costs for the project (referred to as Project E). Haynes said the application includes a request for $595,000 for engineering and noted the city would be responsible for any project cost overages beyond the grant amount.

Haynes said staff would bring a MoDOT program agreement before the council for final consideration via ordinance prior to accepting an award; the program agreement will further refine project scope, costs and timelines. Council member questions confirmed no unusual obligations beyond the standard MoDOT program agreements.

Council voted to take up the resolution and approved it on the floor by voice vote; the clerk announced the motion carried 7–0–0. Staff will proceed with the application and, if awarded, return with an agreement and ordinance-level documents for council action.