Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission

08/18/2026

MoDOT is inviting the public to join the discussion on high-priority unfunded transportation needs at an upcoming meeting.

MoDOT, working with its regional planning partners, has outlined a draft High-Priority Unfunded Needs listing, which identifies $1.3 billion in annual unfunded transportation needs for the system. The list was created to guide the development of needs into funded projects as state and federal transportation funds become available in future years.

The public is invited to review the list and provide feedback on the order of priorities and additional needs that could be funded in the future. A meeting to discuss the draft High-Priority Unfunded Needs list in Southeast Missouri will be held 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴. 𝟮𝟬 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟰 𝘁𝗼 𝟲 𝗽.𝗺. 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝟯𝟬𝟭𝟵 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝘁, 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗳𝗳). The presentation materials and a comment form are also available online at:
https://www.modot.org/high-priority-unfunded-needs-public-meetings

The draft document and comment forms will be available online through Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at https://www.modot.org/unfundedneeds. For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.

08/18/2026

We are not a flyover state… We are the heart of America Small Town Showcase is Missouri Humanities’ premiere digital storytelling initiative. Through podcasts and short films, the program highlights […]

08/17/2026

Friends, I’m putting out a call for anyone who would like to be involved in the Ozark Foothills Community Connections Day of Service!

We are looking for:

• Individuals who would like to volunteer before or during the event (set-up, food service, clean-up, activities, etc...)
• Registered nonprofits and community organizations that would like to provide information about their programs, services and available resources
• Organizations that need volunteers and would like to connect with people who are ready to serve

The event will be held from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at McLane Park in Poplar Bluff. We’ll have free food, live music, community-resource information and opportunities for people to connect and get involved. Roberts Adventure Playground is also a highlight of the location as they hold their grand opening of the all inclusive playground August 20th.

If you, your organization or someone you know would like to participate, please message me or contact me at [email protected] or 573-785-6402. I would love to include as many friends, volunteers, nonprofits and community partners as possible!

08/17/2026

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, has announced that the 2027 grant round for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is now open. LWCF grants are available to cities, counties and public-school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. For more information about this program, to download the grant application, and to register for the grant application workshops, visit https://mostateparks.com/basic-page/land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf-grants?fbclid=IwY2xjawTv5stwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5DIwt_CiwMJztboaqk-1zkPesEjNkIXooI6tb2s4-94XAyMgPn-3vzJLTHlw_aem_rd_MrkbavW0rIPoqtSo0Pw

Application packets must be postmarked on or before Nov. 13, 2026.

The 2027 LWCF Application Workshops are scheduled for Aug. 25-27, 2026.

Eligibility:Federal funding available for LWCF grants is a minimum of $25,000 per project with a 50% match ($50,000 total project cost). Grants can be awarded to any local government, city, county or public school district.Eligible projects must be open to the public at reasonable times. Project exa...

08/13/2026

📢 Have your say on local transportation priorities! 🚗🛣️

The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is hosting a public meeting in partnership with MoDOT to discuss high-priority unfunded transportation needs in our region.

Working together with regional planning partners, MoDOT has developed a draft High-Priority Unfunded Needs list, identifying $1.3 billion in annual unfunded transportation needs statewide. This list helps guide which projects move forward as future state and federal funding becomes available.

We invite you to review the draft list, ask questions, and share your feedback on regional priorities!

🗓️ Date: Thursday, Aug. 20

⏰ Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission

🏢 Address: 3019 Fair St, Poplar Bluff, MO

Can’t make it in person? You can still view presentation materials and submit public comments online through Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at www.modot.org/unfundedneeds.

Help us shape the future of transportation in Southeast Missouri—we hope to see you there!

08/12/2026

♻️📱 Stay Connected: Follow the Ozark Foothills Recycling Center!

Looking to keep up with regional drop-off schedules, seasonal sorting tips, and local environmental initiatives? Make sure to head over and like the official Ozark Foothills Recycling Center page!

👉 Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/ofswmd

💡 Why give the page a follow?
🚛 Trailer Updates & Locations: Get updates on regional trailer swaps and drop-off site reminders across our communities.

🧼 Quick Sorting Tips: Learn easy ways to prep your household items—from crushing aluminum cans to properly handling plastic film—so your recycling always makes the biggest impact.

🌿 Local Environmental News: Stay informed on regional solid waste management news and sustainability efforts keeping the Ozark Foothills green.

📸 Behind-the-Scenes: Catch photos and updates from our hard-working recycling techs out in the field!

Give the page a like, share it with your neighbors, and let's work together to keep our region clean and sustainable! 🌳✨

08/11/2026

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is requesting project applications for consideration in the Regional Bridge Program for off-system structures. The Regional Bridge Program replaces the previous BRO program and is funded using both BRO funds and Bridge Formula Program (BFP) funds. Projects awarded in this program call will be funded with federal fiscal year (FFY) 2027 funds. With the current federal highway transportation bill expiring on September 30, 2026, exact funding levels for FFY 2027 are unknown at this time, though are anticipated to be similar to FFY 2026.

Eligible Bridges can be found online in the 2025 BRO Eligible Bridge List at MoDOT’s Local Public Agency website.
https://www.modot.org/2025-statewide-eligibility-listings-lpa-website

Refer to the supporting documents including the Application Guide and Application Form for detailed information on the Regional Bridge Program.

Applications are due to the respective District Office by September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and scored by regional bridge committees and then selected based on available funds. Final decisions on selected projects are anticipated to be announced December 20, 2026.

Local Public Agencies (LPAs) that reside within the Metropolitan Planning Organization of East-West Gateway are not eligible for this program call. East-West Gateway conducts a separate process that will be used for selecting projects within their region.

For additional information, contact your MoDOT Region Representative or Andrew Seiler at (417) 895-7696 ([email protected]).

2026 Application Guide
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/2026%20Application%20Guide.pdf

2026 Regional Bridge program Application
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/2026%20Regional%20Bridge%20Program%20Application.pdf

2026 Large Bridge Emerging Needs Form
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/2026%20Large%20Bridge%20Emerging%20Needs%20Form.pdf

Large and Emerging Need Bridge Fund
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/Large%20and%20Emerging%20Need%20Bridge%20Fund_1.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions_10.pdf

NBI Score Table with Definitions
https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/NBI%20Score%20Table%20with%20Definitions_1.pdf

08/10/2026

Happy 205th birthday to Missouri!!! August 10, 1821.

08/10/2026

**Congrats Ozark Foothills Regional Community Foundation**
ServMO announces America 250 Mini-Grant recipients

August 10, 2026

Jefferson City, Mo. — ServMO has announced the recipients of the America 250 Mini-Grants, which support meaningful, community-driven service projects in honor of the 9/11 Day of Service and Missouri Good Neighbor Week. These mini-grants were funded in partnership with Missouri’s Show Me America 250 Commission.

“These mini-grants encourage Missourians to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary while getting more connected to their neighbors,” said Brittany Crabtree, Executive Director of ServMO. “We hope these activities plant the seeds for sustained community engagement all year long.”

ServMO announced this $15,000 funding opportunity with the goal of supporting mini-grant projects ranging from $500 - $3,000. During the month of September, local community organizations, neighborhoods, and volunteer groups will join together in honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

America 250 Mini-Grant Recipients:

Community Foundation of the Ozarks will coordinate the Ozark Foothills Community Connection Day of Service during Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to bring the local community together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

08/06/2026

🏛️ Investing in Our Region’s Future! 🏛️

Our Project Officers—Amy Baugus, Rachel Coleman, and Amber Hornbeck—recently traveled to Jefferson City for the annual Missouri Department of Economic Development CDBG Grant Administrators Training! 📝✨

Staying up to date on federal guidelines, grant administration, and community development strategies allows our team to better serve our local communities and help bring vital grant funding home.

We’re proud of our team's dedication to continuous learning and community growth! 💙🙌