Meramec Regional Planning Commission

09/01/2026

Missouri just approved a $13 BILLION transportation plan.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the 2027–2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), outlining how transportation dollars will be invested across the state over the next five years.

This includes $9.3 billion for road and bridge construction, investments across all modes of transportation, improvements to airports, and major investments in I-70 and I-44.

A $13 billion transportation plan is a big deal and so is how those dollars are spent.

Missourians deserve a transportation system that works for everyone, whether they drive, walk, bike, roll, or ride transit. As these projects move forward, we’ll be watching to make sure transportation investments support communities across the state and provide safe, accessible options for all Missourians.

Read the full STIP and see what’s planned for your community: https://www.modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip

09/01/2026

Our very own Kelly Sink presented, this morning, on AI and how to use it to assist in grant writing. The session brought together two case studies, presented by Kelly and LeAnn Jochum, South Central Economic Development District in Nebraska, that attendees were able to work through in a digital “sandbox” created by NA’WI so you could see what the prompts would generate.

08/31/2026

conference kicks off this morning with the executive director roundtable with directors from Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas (MINK). This session was facilitated by Doug Hermes, Statewide Planning Coordinator with MACOG.

08/31/2026

Dent County Peeps!

⏳There’s still time to share your feedback – the comment period for the Dent County Spring Creek Bridge rehabilitation closes TOMORROW!

Ways to share your feedback:
✉️Email: [email protected]
📬Mail: MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109
🖥️Online: www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-19-bridge-rehabilitation-over-spring-creek-dent-county.

Your feedback helps us improve local roads and bridges for everyone!

More info: www.modot.org/node/95095

08/31/2026

The Missouri RPC/COG delegation has arrived in Iowa! We are ready for a great conference with our colleagues.

08/30/2026

The MRPC crew is headed for Council Bluffs Iowa for the 4-state MINK conference. We will spend the next three days coming together with other RPCs and COGs to collaborate and bring new ideas back to the Meramec Region.

08/28/2026

🚌 Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program Now Open! 🌳

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has opened the 2026–2027 Bus Grant Program to help cover transportation costs for youth field trips to Missouri state parks and historic sites.

Eligible applicants include:
• Missouri public school districts
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

The program is noncompetitive and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so eligible organizations are encouraged to apply early.

📅 Application Deadline: May 14, 2027
🌐 Learn more and download the application: mostateparks.com/page/missouri-state-parks-bus-grant-program
📧 Questions: [email protected]

This is a great opportunity to help Missouri youth get outdoors, explore our state parks and historic sites, and connect with nature!

08/26/2026

Carson Grant with the Delta Regional Authority visited Rolla last week to see firsthand the DRA-funded North Rolla Street storm sewer upgrade project. MRPC Project Development Manager Kelly Sink and Rolla City Engineer Matthew Kreyling, PE, coordinated the visit and provided details on the project, which is underway.

08/20/2026

You can help get one more section of the Rock Island open to the public!

Help Belle Bring the Rock Island Trail One Step Closer to Reality!

The City of Belle has an exciting opportunity to advance the development of the Rock Island Trail State Park, but it needs your help.

Our partners at Friends of the Rock Island Trail have started a fundraiser where your contribution will help Belle meet its required $22,000 match and continue the momentum that is transforming the eastern 24 miles of Missouri's newest state park. Every donation, large or small, brings the trail closer to becoming a destination that will enhance outdoor recreation, attract visitors, strengthen local businesses, and preserve an important piece of Missouri's history for generations to come.

Donate here today: https://rockislandtrail.org/support/

08/20/2026

Want to learn more about the Delta Regional Authority? Watch the video and see if you can spot MRPC executive director in one of the photos! MRPC serves as the Local Development District for our four DRA counties: Crawford, Dent, Phelps and Washington.