EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Mayor Sharon Powell seeks a federal grant distributed through the Missouri Department of Transportation for city transit services. On Feb. 16, city leaders approved an ordinance for Powell to pursue the grant. If approved, the funding would go toward the Excelsior Springs Transportation Department’s “operating expenses,” City Manager Molly McGovern told city leaders during their meeting. Director of Public Works Chad Birdsong stated in a Feb. 5 memo to city leaders that the department has a $282,000 budget for fiscal 2021-22 for operational costs. McGovern also said the grant would provide “capital funding for the purchase of a replacement vehicle.” The department has $60,000 budgeted for capital funds this fiscal year, Birdsong’s memo stated. The Transportation Department’s services include “deviated fixed route” busing from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and “extended routes” 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, excluding holidays, its web page…