TL/DR –
The City of Joplin has been able to fund major projects in recent years using federal grant money awarded after the 2020 pandemic. With the help of consulting firm Guidehouse, the city managed to secure 26 grants, adding nearly $58 million in federal money, which, along with matching funds offered by the city, has allowed for project costs of $97.3 million. Some of the major projects funded by these grants include infrastructure improvements, expansion of economic opportunities, public safety improvements, and improvements to parks and trails.
Historic Projects in Joplin Funded by Federal Grants Following the 2020 Pandemic
In recent years, the City of Joplin has witnessed unprecedented development of large-scale projects, funded primarily through federal grants awarded following the 2020 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (B.I.L.), and the Inflation Reduction Act played instrumental roles in donating tens of millions of dollars to the city. These funds were meticulously used to address the city’s needs and enhance the quality of planned projects. As Joplin is nearing the completion of projects funded by the final grant dollars, the city’s officials have taken a moment to appreciate the extraordinary progress that these projects have brought about for the citizens.
Successful Grant Application Process
Over a three-year span, with the assistance of consulting firm Guidehouse, Joplin applied for over 50 grants. The city demonstrated its history of financial responsibility, valid project requirements and viable plans for funds utilization. As a result, the city received a staggering 26 of the applied grants, accumulating nearly $58 million in federal money.
City Finance director Leslie Haase highlighted the city’s preceding plans and unfunded needs list as key determinants for securing these grants. Haase emphasized the importance of preparedness when seeking grants and the value of having “shovel-ready” projects.
Leveraging Funds for Progress
With the city’s matching funds of nearly $34 million added, the total sanctioned project costs stood at $97.3 million. This amount would have taken Joplin 12 years to gather through the Capital Improvement Sales tax, which was renewed by voters in April 2024. The availability of these funds allowed Joplin to execute a multitude and magnitude of projects within a short period of years.
Projects funded by the ARPA and B.I.L. grants range across domains and are either in progress or already completed. These projects include:
Infrastructure Improvements:
These entail the widening & improvement of 20th Street, Zora Street, stormwater improvement projects, drinking water extension to certain areas and wastewater system improvements, among others.
Economic Opportunities Expansion:
Work is in progress for citywide broadband implementation and lead remediation for residential homes. Completed projects include the MSSU Health Science Innovation Center and community revitalization initiatives.
Public Safety Improvement:
Notable projects include a better radio system for first responders, various improvements to the Justice Center building, emergency medical service equipment, additional body cameras for police, etc.
Parks, Trails and Beautification:
Projects include the MOmentum Bike Park, Grand Falls Trail, Tin Cup Bridge & Trail, Parr Hill Park improvements, among others.
Upcoming Trail Improvements and Streetscaping
The final phase of several projects, which include the addition of trail amenities across city parks and streetscaping on Main Street between 8th and 15th Streets, is set to start soon. Paul Bloomberg, the director of Parks and Recreation for Joplin, shared that a Recreation Trails Grant will aid in improving 12 Joplin parks. The Main Street streetscaping, the last segment of a multi-year project, will begin in the coming months, bringing new sidewalks, benches, trees, and other beautifications.
Anticipating the final grant application’s outcome and the commencement of the last set of projects, Leslie Haase commended Joplin’s patience and preparedness throughout the process, which has enabled the city to make remarkable progress.
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