Cost Share Program

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), through the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC), administers the Cost Share Program to foster collaborative infrastructure development by pooling state and local resources for highway and bridge projects. The program emphasizes partnerships with local governments and private entities to address transportation needs across the state. MoDOT allocates Cost Share funds based on a distribution formula approved by the MHTC, and project selections are managed by a committee composed of senior MoDOT and commission personnel. The program is designed to support public and private projects on the state highway system, provided they exceed $200,000 in total cost and meet transportation needs. MoDOT generally matches up to 50% of the total project cost. However, for projects that demonstrate economic development through job creation, up to $9 million in annual set-aside funds may cover 100% of the project cost. These projects require recommendation from the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) and must be non-retail in nature. Any unused set-aside funds are carried forward to the following fiscal year. Applicants must engage with their respective MoDOT district offices to scope and cost their projects. The application process includes completing a Request for Environmental Services (RES), the Cost Share application, and submitting a support letter from both the District Engineer and the relevant metropolitan planning organization (MPO) or regional planning commission (RPC). Additional documentation such as traffic models and project maps is also required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with deadlines posted online. Applications undergo a rigorous review process involving multiple MoDOT departments and the DED, ensuring that only eligible, high-impact proposals are recommended. Evaluations consider transportation need, public benefit, economic development potential, and the applicant’s financial contribution. Projects that exceed cost thresholds or would significantly increase MoDOT maintenance obligations require special pre-approvals. Once approved, the district collaborates with the applicant to finalize a binding Cost Share agreement. This agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities and funding amounts. It must be executed within six months of recommendation or MHTC approval. Projects located in MPO jurisdictions must also be integrated into the relevant Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the statewide STIP. Upon execution of the agreement and successful TIP/STIP amendments, the project can proceed, adhering to all MoDOT engineering and compliance standards. Excess funds from completed projects are reallocated back into the program. Interested applicants can initiate their request and access the application forms via MoDOT’s Partnership Development website or by contacting their district office.