Cost Share Program

The Cost Share Program is a funding initiative administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and governed by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC). The program is designed to foster collaborative investment in state highway and bridge infrastructure by forming partnerships with local public and private entities. Through the Cost Share Program, MoDOT allocates funds to eligible projects using a distribution formula approved by the MHTC. These projects are reviewed and recommended by the Cost Share Committee, which includes high-level MoDOT leadership and two director-appointed members, and are ultimately approved through amendments to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). A key feature of the Cost Share Program is its set-aside funding for economic development, which is designed to support projects that generate employment opportunities. Beginning in fiscal year 2024, twenty percent of available funds are designated for such projects, up from ten percent in prior years. These projects may receive up to 100 percent of the total project cost if they demonstrate direct job creation, though retail development projects do not qualify. Recommendations for these economic development allocations may be made by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), and final approval is required from the MHTC before STIP amendment. To participate in the program, applicants must partner with their respective MoDOT district office to define the project’s scope and complete the application process. Required application materials include a completed application form, letters of support from the district engineer and regional planning authorities, traffic data, and a project map. Applications tied to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding must also meet specific submission deadlines to the DED. Application deadlines for upcoming cycles are April 11, 2025; July 7, 2025; October 3, 2025; and April 6, 2026. Applications must be submitted to MoDOT Financial Services by these posted deadlines to be considered at the relevant Cost Share Committee meeting. The evaluation of applications involves multiple MoDOT departments and the DED, collectively forming the Staff Review Team. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as transportation need, public benefit, economic development potential, and the applicant’s financial contribution. While funding is typically capped at $10 million per project and $2.5 million annually, exceptions can be made for high-need projects with strong local participation. Applicants are responsible for their portion of costs, including any overruns and debt-financing expenses if applicable. Following a positive evaluation, the Cost Share Committee may recommend a project for funding. The project then undergoes a programming process involving the drafting and review of a formal agreement using MoDOT’s standard agreement template (Form FS08). The agreement must be executed within six months of recommendation to avoid forfeiture of funding. Projects in metropolitan planning organization (MPO) areas must also be integrated into the local Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) before STIP amendment. Upon execution of the agreement, MoDOT coordinates with Transportation Planning to finalize the project’s inclusion in the STIP. Final approval and execution are handled by the Commission Secretary’s Office. Project delivery is carried out in accordance with MoDOT’s Engineering Policy Guide, with Financial Services tracking expenditures and returning unused funds to the program. This comprehensive structure ensures that state highway infrastructure projects with public benefit and economic impact are funded and delivered through a transparent, collaborative process.