Columbia receives $2.1 million in federal grant money for Business Loop 70 study

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia is receiving more than $2.1 million in federal grant money for a study to improve Business Loop 70, according to a Wednesday press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The release states $12,055,800 was awarded to Missouri projects through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot and Neighborhood Access and Equity discretionary grant program.

Of that total, $2,130,800 was approved in Columbia to study Business Loop 70 between Stadium Boulevard and Eastland Circle to find ways to improve safety for motorized and non-motorized users, improving accessible multi-modal operations, providing aesthetics along the corridor and improving economic vitality along the roadway, the release states.

Business Loop 70 is maintained by Missouri Department of Transportation.

“The improvements strive to reinvigorate the corridor, connect a number of historically disadvantaged and underserved communities, and support a growing network of community services, education opportunities, and commercial centers along the corridor,” the release states.

The City of Columbia filed an application for the study last year, in which it requested $2.5-3 million.