Archived Articles

February 6, 2019 – Here is the link to our latest edition of the Mid-MO Current which is a newsletter that highlights how the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission staff is assisting our communities. 

February 5, 2019 – Freight Enhancement Program (FRE) applications are being accepted until March 13, 2019 in anticipation of MoDOT’s FY20 budget approval. This funding is designed for enhancements to the state freight system such as rail projects, port enhancements, construction and equipment. It is a 20% match reimbursement program with an available maximum per project of $500,000.

More information on eligible projects and the application process can be found at https://www.modot.org/freight-general-information

January 16, 2019 – The Mid-MO RPC region came away with two TAP grant recipients this cycle. The City of Pilot Grove received funding for a sidewalk that will connect Pilot Grove School to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, giving both schools access to a current MoDOT sidewalk project along College Street/Highway 135.

Also receiving funding is City of Fayette for their sidewalk project along Church Street/Highway 240 that will safely connect the center of town and students at Central Methodist University to essential shopping venues.

Within the Mid-MO RPC region are also our two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) who both came away with project funding of their own. The City of Columbia received funding in the CATSO region for a sidewalk project along Leslie Lane that will bring much needed connectivity to public facilities in that area.

January 15, 2019 – Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant offers up to $250,000 to state and local governments, schools, non-profit, and for-profit organizations for trail related projects at a 20% match. Details on the RTP grant can be found at:
https://mostateparks.com/page/61220/recreational-trails-program-rtp-grants

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant offers up to $250,000 to local government, city and county, and public schools for public outdoor recreation projects at a 50% match. Details on the LWCF grant can be found at:
https://mostateparks.com/page/61215/land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf-grants

January 14, 2019 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $80,776 in grant funding to the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission to help further develop plans for the newly formed Callaway County Sewer District. Grant funding will be used to fund a feasibility study that will identify the optimal location to construct the district’s first centralized wastewater system. Funding will also be used to plan for a clear path for the sewer district administratively and financially.

Feasibility study contributing partners include the Callaway County Commission and the Callaway County Health Department. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 7 has provided funding for this project under Section 604b of the Clean Water Act, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will administer the grant funds.

Review and Comment Period

The final draft of the updated Coordinated Public Transit Human Service Plan is available. This plan assesses current public transportation needs and options for the region. To view the document see Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan 2018.

Public review and comment is open now. A vote finalizing adoption of the plan will take place at the next Board of Director’s meeting in January.

Starting the second week in December, MoDOT Area Engineer, Mike Schupp, and Mid-MO RPC staff will be going to each county in the region and conducting meetings to discuss county transportation needs. In previous years, Mid-MO RPC has relied exclusively on its Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) to identify transportation needs in the region. This year, entities are being invited to take part in the discussion to set the top three transportation needs priorities for their county that will be presented to the Mid-MO RPC TAC. These needs then enter the regional list that is presented to MoDot for consideration for funding in the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Dates and locations for these meetings are as follows:

December 10, 2018
Howard County-9:00am
Howard County Courthouse Commissioner’s Quarters

Cooper County-11:00am
Cooper County Courthouse Commissioner’s Quarters

Moniteau County-1:30pm
California City Hall Community Meeting Room

December 12, 2018
Callaway County-11:00am
Fulton City Hall Executive Conference Room

Boone County-2:00pm
Government Center Conference Room 301

December 18, 2018
Cole County-9:00am
Cole County Annex Commission Chambers

December 3, 2018 – The November 28^th TAC meeting had good turnout. This round of Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) applications are in and it was time to decide who would be put forward as a priority for the Mid-MO region for funding. There were three applications for our region. Fayette, Fulton, and Pilot Grove all submitted projects for consideration. Representatives for each project were invited to give presentations at the meeting and to answer any questions those scoring might have about the projects.
Read on…

October 31, 2018 – Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (Mid-MO RPC) held it’s annual meeting at the Claysville Store on October 24th. Several members showed up for good food and an update on what Mid-MO RPC has been doing.  RPC Executive Director David Bock filled everyone in on the changing faces and projects, as well as brought proposed by-law changes to everyone’s attention.

Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Kenny Kunze (left) and Executive Director David Bock.

A total of four recognition awards were given out. Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Kenny Kunze received an award for his long-time service to the RPC. Les Hudson was recognized for his years of service as RPC Personnel Chairman.  Roger Corbin and “Doc” Kritzer were both awarded for their dedication to the Region F – Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC). Overall, the meeting was a great success and the RPC appreciates all who were able to attend. 

October 24, 2018 – An internal review of the bylaws governing the Mid‐Missouri Regional Planning Commission (Mid‐MO RPC) has revealed several instances where the current practice of the organization is inconsistent with our current bylaws.

Mid‐MO RPC has been operating with the Board of Directors acting as the primary governing authority for the organization; however, there are instances where the organization’s current bylaws require action be taken by a vote of RPC membership in addition to or instead of the Board of Directors.

The proposed bylaw changes would formally adopt the existing practice in which RPC membership allows the Board of Directors, led by the officers of the Executive Committee, to act on their behalf.
Read on…