Springfield Standard

The City of Springfield has been awarded a $24.8 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its "Ungap the Map" project. This initiative, part of the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan, aims to construct approximately 3.14 miles of greenway trails on Springfield's west side.

The project will eliminate at-grade crossings, install four pedestrian bridges, remove abandoned culverts, introduce traffic calming measures and green infrastructure, build ADA-accessible sidewalks, and provide dedicated bicycle paths.

RAISE grants are competitively awarded for projects that improve safety, equity, environmental sustainability, quality of life, workforce development and job quality, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness, and opportunity for wealth creation. They focus on addressing environmental justice in neighborhoods affected by underinvestment and pollution.

Mayor Ken McClure stated: “City staff analyzed and prioritized critical gaps in the greenway system based on past community engagement and to target resources in historically impoverished neighborhoods. The project is intended to connect these severed trails and provide a fully connected trail system from westside neighborhoods to natural green space, regional parks, economic opportunities, downtown Springfield, and beyond.”

The RAISE grant will support three key trail connections outlined in various city plans including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2021), College Street Corridor Plan (2012), West Central Neighborhood Plan (1998), Ozark Transportation Organization’s Destination 2045 Plan, and OTO Trail Study (2017).

These connections will enhance access to Nathanael Greene and Rutledge-Wilson parks, Grant Avenue Parkway, downtown Springfield's health care facilities, goods and services providers as well as the City Utilities Transit Center. Director of Economic Vitality Amanda Ohlensehlen emphasized: “This project will provide transportation choices for the city’s most vulnerable populations to connect residents to employment centers, training and education... strengthening the social fabric of our neighborhoods.”

Forward SGF highlights that infrastructure investments must elevate living standards in under-resourced neighborhoods. Poverty was frequently cited during community outreach as a significant issue affecting Springfield’s northern and western areas.

The "Ungap the Map" project seeks to address transportation deficiencies while providing a safe active transportation network. It will add 3.14 miles of dedicated trail contributing to over 25 miles of trail connectivity within Springfield.

City Manager Jason Gage noted: “This award builds on the City’s success with the Grant Avenue Parkway... closing the gaps in the trail network.” Matching funds are not required due to the project's location within federally designated Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation expects all RAISE funding to be obligated by September 30, 2028, with expenditures completed by September 30, 2033.

Further details about RAISE can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/raise/raise-2024-awards.