Stakeholders secure $23.5M grant for Route MM widening project

The partners behind Route MM widening work in Republic have secured a substantial grant for the project.

The city of Republic, Ozarks Transportation Organization, Missouri Department of Transportation and Greene County were selected for a $23.5 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to a news release.

“I’m proud to have helped secure this critical grant for Greene County, and thankful to see this year’s BUILD awards are doing exactly what your tax dollars are meant to do: invest in your local community," said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, in the release. "Widening Route MM to four lanes will reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety, while promoting greater economic growth."

The project, with an estimated price tag of $34.2 million, is designed to widen Route MM from Haile Street in Brookline to Interstate 44, and intersection improvements have also been identified. MoDOT's cost-share program is also being utilized for funding, and Republic, Greene County and OTO expect to provide local matching funds.

More than 3,000 jobs are located along the Route MM corridor, with at least another 3,000 to be realized as surrounding properties are developed, according to the release.

"The Route MM widening project is a key transportation investment in supporting the continued growth of this corridor," Republic City Administrator Colten Harris said in the release.

Along Route MM, MoDOT is currently constructing the first phase of improvements.