Combined efforts changing the appearance of Joplin
Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards says Joplin is undergoing positive changes, thanks to funding from local and federal sources and ongoing efforts by city officials.
“We continue to deploy awarded ARPA grant dollars, Capital Improvement Sales Tax and Prop Action funds, and other resources across multiple major efforts,” Edwards says.
“These combined efforts will change the appearance of Joplin over the next few years,” he adds.
Some significant efforts proceeding in the near term or underway:
INFRASTRUCTURE
Zora Roundabout – Monday, September 9, work began on the construction of the new roundabout at the intersection of Zora St and Duquesne Rd/Hall St. During the first phase of this project, Hall Street north of the intersection will be completely closed to through traffic.
The project is anticipated to be completed this winter. This is a significant improvement of a problematic intersection in the works for many years. This is first phase of improving the corridor from 1-249 to Range Line by 2026.
South Connecticut Avenue improvements from 32nd to 44th Street nearing completion in November. Final grading is underway, and paving will begin in next couple weeks. This is a major north-south corridor improvement to the whole of the Connecticut Avenue connecting 7th Street to 44th and new growth south. Includes bike and pedestrian shared use paths.
ALLO Broadband Fiber deployment is underway and major work begin after the planned groundbreaking target in November. This will provide high speed internet access across the whole city.
15th and Texas stormwater improvement from 13th to 16th will begin spring 2025. 15th and Range Line intersection improvements and extend 15th to east, spring 2025. 20th Street -Schifferdecker to Country Club major widening and improvements begins summer 2025 and completed in 2026. Includes bike and pedestrian shared use paths.
HOUSING AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The Joplin Housing Assistance Program has been an overwhelming success. We have received more applications than funds but anticipate helping support approximately 80 new home purchases.
The Joplin Housing Rehabilitation Program launches in October and anticipates funding major rehab work on approximately 70 homes. There is a waiting list. Prospect Village continues to develop with major financing proformas being completed.
This multi-million complex is set to bring new housing, an indoor arena, and retail and grocery shopping to the area east of Range Line Road and south of 20th Street. Ewert Park Splash Pad is in final design with an open house recently held. Project bids this fall.
Dover Outdoor Recreation Area Bike Park in final design and bids this fall