Excelsior Springs has some more money to devote to road infrastructure – $21.5 million, to be exact.

The city recently announced the federal government is directing that amount to Excelsior Springs through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The RAISE program provides a unique opportunity for the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.

The grant to Excelsior Springs is the largest awarded in the state. Other Missouri communities that have received RAISE funding and the amounts they’ve received include Independence, $10.16 million; Kansas City, $5 million; and Maryville, $5,925,780. In addition, the Mid-America Regional Council has received $5.6 million in RAISE funding.

Grant funds will be used to construct roadway and intersection improvements, sidewalks and shared-use paths. Funds also will go toward managing stormwater runoff and enhancing streetscapes.

“The improvements being made will be transformational,” stated Melinda Mehaffy, Excelsior Springs economic development director. “Our city will become more walk-friendly and the streetscape along (Missouri) 10 Highway will invite shoppers into the shopping corridor.”

Plans to make Excelsior Springs more walk-friendly are in conjunction with the city’s Safe Streets and Sidewalks Improvement Project.

“The Safe Streets and Sidewalks Improvement Project is a top priority for the city,” stated Molly McGovern, city manager. “Locally, the project will help the city revitalize a critical economic corridor and improve citizen safety. The project complements efforts to focus investment and increase opportunities for commercial and residential growth.”

As part of the project, the city has worked in partnership with the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s West Side Business Committee to identify improvements needed to connect the west side business districts with other areas of the community. Bill Westerheide, chamber president, expects the RAISE funding to “significantly improve the safety and accessibility for everyone walking, shopping or working along the West Side Corridor.”

“The chamber is very committed to working with all parties through each phase of implementation and we eagerly look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community,” Westerheide said.

PHASES

Improvements will be made in three phases – all of them to be completed by 2030. The first phase will include trail, or sidewalk, paths to be established on Wornall Road near Cornerstone Elementary and Excelsior Springs Middle School. Phase 1 also will include constructing a pedestrian overpass of U.S. Highway 69.

Additionally, an advanced warning system for emergency medical service response will be installed at the train crossing at Dunbar Avenue to alert emergency responders when a train is crossing, so they can alter their paths across town during an emergency.

THE PROCESS

The train alert system and other projects resulted from the city soliciting public feedback, working with stakeholders on what improvements were needed and then seeking funding – a five-year process. It also resulted from city leaders working with public officials at other levels of government, including U.S. Rep. Sam Graves.

Graves, who represents Missouri’s 6th District, issued a statement about Excelsior Springs receiving the grant.

“I’m thrilled to see this project receive funding,” Graves stated in a release from his office. “These improvements are going to greatly enhance safety, both (for) motorists and students walking and biking to school in Excelsior Springs. Congratulations to all who put in the effort to get this grant. I know this project has been a long time coming and can’t wait to see these improvements completed.”

Excelsior Springs Mayor Sharon Powell thanked Graves and members of his staff for their help in securing the funding “to improve the infrastructure around three of our schools.”

“This project will greatly enhance the safety of our children as they walk, ride their bikes or drive to these schools,” Powell stated. “Thank you also to the dedicated city staff that worked tirelessly preparing the application for this grant.”

For complete details, maps and studies on the project, visit esmo-safestreets. com.