$2.1 million grant for Business Loop 70 project unfrozen

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A $2.1 million grant to improve Business Loop 70 that was paused last week during a federal funding freeze has been unfrozen.

Carrie Gartner, of the Business Loop CID, told ABC 17 News that the Missouri Department of Transportation let the city know it can move forward with the project.

“We are thrilled this project is back on track. The Business Loop is a key economic engine for Columbia and the gateway into our city so this grant is critical to improving the street," Gartner said.

The City of Columbia was awarded the federal grant last March as part of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant program.

The money was approved last year 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, a release from previous reporting says.

Business Loop 70 is maintained by Missouri Department of Transportation.

The City of Columbia requested $2.5-3 million in a 2023 application.