Grants

OTO Opportunities

2026 OTO Sidewalk and Trail Funding

OTO is accepting applications for approximately $3 million in funding for sidewalk and trail construction, planning, and design through the Transportation Alternatives and Carbon Reduction Programs. At least 10% of the available funding is set aside for engineering projects to help prepare projects for construction.

Application deadline: November 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST.

Apply online through OTO's online application portal. View application guidebook.

OTO will host an optional virtual pre-application workshop on November 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. Staff will review the online application process and answer questions about application requirements and applicants’ specific projects. The workshop link is included in the above guidebook.

If you have any questions or need assistance with accessing the online application, please reach out to David Knaut at 417-865-3042 x107 or via email: dknaut@ozarkstransportation.org.

State Grant Opportunities

MoDOT Transportation Cost-Share Program

The program provides financial assistance to public and private applicants for state highway and bridge projects satisfying a transportation need. MoDOT matches partners investments up to fifty percent (50%) of the project cost. Set-aside funds for economic development may fund up to one hundred percent (100%) of the total project cost. MoDOT works in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development and project sponsors to determine when targeted investments can be made to create jobs and may provide up the one hundred percent (100%) of the cost. Retail development projects do not qualify as economic development projects that create jobs.

Information on the Cost Share Program and Applications can be found here:

Cost Participation and Cost Share | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org)

Eligible Projects: State highway and bridge projects.

Application Deadlines (Multiple Times Per Year) -

• Application Deadline - SW District Review Deadline - Tuesday, January 5, 2027, Final Application Deadline - Monday, April 5, 2027

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – 2027 Grant Round

• Purpose: Supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation sites.
• Eligible Applicants: Local governments, cities, counties, and public-school districts.
• Examples of Eligible Projects: Playgrounds, ball fields, pools and water parks, trails, camping, and picnic facilities, boating and fishing facilities, and passive recreation areas.
• Funding: Minimum federal grant request of $25,000 ($50,000 minimum total project cost).
  • LWCF has historically capped the grant award at $500,000 per project.
• Match: 50% match required.
• Deadline: Application packets must be postmarked by November 13, 2026.
• More Information/Application: Missouri State Parks – LWCF Grants

Federal Grant Opportunities

Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program

• • Purpose: Projects that seek to improve safety of the traveling public by reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.
  • Eligible Applicants: City, County, State governments, and MPOS (must demonstrate that the STATE is was consulted in the application)
  • Deadline: Application closing November 16, 2026
  • Match: 20% local match
  • Funding: No minimum or maximum award size