HANNIBAL - The City of Old Monroe will receive $240,000 in federal transportation enhancement funds for the Downtown Streetscape project along Main Street. This project is one of six funded through the federal enhancement program that provided a little over $1.4 million in dedicated funds to MoDOT's Northeast District. Projects including the construction of sidewalks, trails and bike lanes, streetscaping, ADA improvement to existing sidewalks and other local projects that enhance transportation compete for these funds through an application process.

The Downtown Streetscape Project involves the installation of period style signs and street lighting, ADA compliant sidewalks and restriping Main Street to accommodate a bike lane. If funds allow other improvements being considered include trash receptacles, flower planter/beds, street trees, benches, an entrance monument and fencing.

"These improvements will enhance downtown Old Monroe making Main Street a more attractive and welcoming place to visit, live and work," said Bob Manzke, MoDOT district design liaison. "The transportation enhancement program has made many improvements possible that wouldn't have otherwise been funded," added Manzke. The City of Old Monroe will be sharing in a percentage of the project cost.

MoDOT allocates transportation enhancement funds to each district of the state based on population. In northeast Missouri, MoDOT facilitates the application and selection process. A member from each local regional planning commission and three at large individuals with interests in transportation selects which projects will get funding. The money is provided under federal transportation law requiring ten percent of federal Surface Transportation Program funds are used for local transportation enhancement projects.

For more information about enhancement projects and other transportation issues, please contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center during normal business hours at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636) or visit our website at www.modot.org/northeast.