Federal enhancement funds granted

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Eleven Southeast Missouri communities have been selected to receive $2.9 million in federal enhancement funds. They include Caruthersville, Houston, Kennett, Farmington, Arcadia, Desloge, Doniphan, Ste. Genevieve, Benton, Malden and Poplar Bluff/Butler County.

Twenty-nine applications totaling $7 million in requests were received in November. Projects consisted of trails, historic preservation projects, sidewalks and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements to existing sidewalks.

A selection committee made up of representatives from local regional planning commissions reviewed the applications before making recommendations. Funds, set aside by Congress to be used specifically for transportation enhancements, allow communities to develop projects that improve the quality of a community and enhance the public's traveling experience.

For more information, contact transportation project designer Elquin Auala at 417-469-6286, or the Missouri Department of Transportation's customer service center at 888-275-6636.

-- From Missouri Department of Transportation