/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:51:45 +0000 en-us https://www.modot.org/node/83298 83298 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:10:02 +0000 REMINDER: I-70 to CLOSE between Grain Valley & Oak Grove for bridge demolition, Feb. 14-16 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 11:10 Project Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will close eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 between Routes AA/BB (Exit 24 in Grain Valley) and Routes F/H (Exit 28 in Oak Grove) on Saturday, Feb. 14 at approximately 9 p.m., for the demolition of the Lefholz Rd. bridge over I-70 at mile marker 26. Access to the bridge will also close on Saturday, Feb. 14 at approximately 9 p.m. Westbound I-70 is expected to reopen on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 7 a.m. and eastbound I-70 is expected to reopen on Monday, Feb. 16 at approximately 3 p.m. A signed detour for eastbound and westbound I-70 traffic will be in place and will utilize Route BB (Buckner Tarsney Rd.), Route FF (E Truman Rd.), and Route H. The Lefholz Rd. bridge will remain closed for reconstruction and is anticipated to be completed in July 2026. All work is weather permitting. Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is the third project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program and will add a third lane of travel in each direction to I-70 from just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H. The project also includes interchange improvements at Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa. The project was awarded in Spring 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028.  Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and signed into law by the governor, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.   For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.  ImproveI70  Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube  Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 04:05 Matthew Rinehart Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: matthew.rinehart@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 282-4685 https://www.modot.org/node/83297 83297 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:02 +0000 MoDOT to close northbound US 67 ramp to northbound I-55 overnight Friday Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 11:00 Project Interstate 55 Corridor Upgrades in Jefferson County JEFFERSON COUNTY- Drivers in Jefferson County should be aware of an upcoming ramp closure this Friday, February 13. MoDOT will close the northbound US Route 67 loop ramp to northbound I-55. The ramp will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Northbound US 67 traffic will access northbound I-55 by continuing on northbound US 67 to Route A, turning west on Route A to I-55 and using Route A entrance ramp to access northbound I-55. Detours will be signed.  For additional information about current and upcoming detours and project status, please visit the I-55 Corridor Improvement project website at: Interstate 55 Corridor Upgrades in Jefferson | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org).  For up-to-date traffic and travel info, motorists can check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.                                                                                   ###     Districts Involved St. Louis Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 03:53 Marie Elliott, M.A. MoDOT Communications St. Louis District Phone (314) 453-1807 E-mail: marie.elliott@modot.mo.gov https://www.modot.org/node/83292 83292 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:40:02 +0000 TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures at I-44 Exits 6 & 8 Week of Feb. 16 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 09:40 Where: I-44 at Missouri Route 43/86 (Exit 6) and I-44 at Range Line Road (Exit 8) When: 9 p.m.-5 a.m., Monday-Thursday, February 16-20 What: Contractor crews inspecting truss signs Traffic Impacts: Westbound I-44 at northbound Route 43/86 ramp (Exit 6) Expect periodic lane reductions and/or ramp closures All lanes OPEN during daytime hours No signed detours Northbound Route 86 south of I-44 Expect periodic lane reductions All lanes OPEN during daytime hours No signed detours I-44 at Range Line Road (Exit 8) Expect periodic lane reductions on I-44 and on Range Line Road in all directions All lanes OPEN during daytime hours No signed detours Crews working at only one interchange at a time Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching work zones Drivers urged to find alternate routes Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.     For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest  Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 02:39 David Mitchell Senior Communications Specialist Southwest District E-mail: SWCR@MoDOT.mo.gov Phone: (417) 895-7600 https://www.modot.org/node/83293 83293 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:40:02 +0000 EXTENDED: Lane closures on US-50 west of Warrensburg for intersection improvements, Mar. - June 2026 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 09:40 Project U.S. Route 50 Safety and Operational Improvements in Johnson County JOHNSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will be conducting various lane closures on eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 50 between Missouri Highway 58 and Business Highway 50 for intersection improvements and the construction of J-turns. The project began in May 2025 and was originally scheduled to be completed in Dec. 2025. The majority of the work is complete with construction paused for the winter months. Crews are scheduled to resume work in Mar. 2026 and complete the project in June 2026. All work is weather permitting. For more information about the project, visit the project webpage here: U.S. Route 50 Safety and Operational Improvements in Johnson County | Missouri Department of Transportation. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for work zone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 02:33 Matthew Rinehart Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: matthew.rinehart@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 282-4685 https://www.modot.org/node/83289 83289 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:20:02 +0000 Route W in Butler County Closed for Culvert Replacement Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 09:20 SIKESTON—Route W in Butler County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.   This section of roadway is located from Route KK to County Road 508.   Weather permitting, work will take place Thursday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 02:16 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/83283 83283 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:10:01 +0000 Various lane closures on NB and SB I-35 in Jackson County for barrier wall repairs, Feb. 16-17 Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 08:10 JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct various lane closures on northbound and southbound I-35 between 17th Street and 21st Street for barrier wall repairs beginning on approx. Mon., Feb. 16 until Tues., Feb. 17 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. All work is weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).     Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 01:07 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://www.modot.org/node/83282 83282 at https://www.modot.org Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:02 +0000 Route MM in Dunklin County Closed for Culvert Replacement Visitor (not verified) Wed, 02/11/2026 - 08:00 SIKESTON— Route MM in Dunklin County will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.   This section of roadway is located from County Road 692 to County Road 684 near Malden, Missouri.   Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. While work takes place, the road will be open to local traffic only.  The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Wed, 02/11/2026 - 00:52 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/83275 83275 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:10:02 +0000 Linn County Route U Bridge to close Feb. 23 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 02/10/2026 - 15:10 Bridge deck replacement project in Grundy and Linn counties ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted Louis-Company, LLC, to complete a bridge deck replacement project on three bridges in Grundy and Linn counties. The Linn County Route U bridge over Long Branch, northwest of Bucklin, is scheduled to close beginning Monday, Feb. 23. Traffic Impacts: The Route U bridge will be closed beginning Feb. 23 through April. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route around the closure. Listed below are two other bridges included in this project with estimated start dates: Linn County Route B over Parsons Creek, west of Linneus, scheduled to begin April 27. Grundy County Route E over the Medicine Creek Drainage Ditch, east of Laredo, scheduled to begin July 15. For more information about this project, visit: Route B, Route E, and Route U Bridge Deck Replacement in Grundy and Linn Counties | Missouri Department of Transportation. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by always buckling up, keeping your phones down, slowing down and moving over in work zones. Know before you go and check what work zones you might encounter at traveler.modot.org. Get project and work zone news straight to your email by signing up for eUpdates. Information is also available 24/7 by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visiting www.modot.org/northwest. Facebook | X | Instagram  Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down ### Project Webpage Route B, Route E, and Route U Bridge Deck Replacement in Grundy and Linn Counties | Missouri Department of Transportation. Districts Involved Northwest Published On Tue, 02/10/2026 - 08:05 NW Customer Service Northwest District Email: nwcr@modot.mo.govPhone: 816-901-4529 https://www.modot.org/node/83270 83270 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:50:01 +0000 MO Route 114 in Stoddard County Reduced for Tree Trimming Visitor (not verified) Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:50 SIKESTON- Route 114 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews trim the trees along the roadway.  This section of roadway is located from Route 60 to Route FF near Essex, Missouri.  Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 20 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.  The work zone will be marked with signs and flaggers will be present. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.    ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Tue, 02/10/2026 - 07:46 SE Customer Service Southeast District Email: SECRRep@modot.mo.gov Phone: (573) 472-5333 https://www.modot.org/node/83271 83271 at https://www.modot.org Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:50:01 +0000 Various overnight lane closures on NB/SB I-435 in Jackson County for overhead sign truss, Feb. 12-13 Visitor (not verified) Tue, 02/10/2026 - 14:50 JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct various overnight lane closures on northbound and southbound I-435 south of Truman Road along with the accelerate lane leading to the off-ramp to Truman Road to install an overhead sign truss beginning on approx. Thurs., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. until Fri., Feb. 13 at 7 a.m. All work is weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Tue, 02/10/2026 - 07:42 Katie Majors Senior Communications Specialist Kansas City District Email: katelynn.majors@modot.mo.govPhone: (816) 607-2027 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-now-accepting-entries-drinking-water-week-poster-contest 299581 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:26:09 +0000 Department of Natural Resources now accepting entries for Drinking Water Week poster contest Karen Kremer Mon, 02/09/2026 - 16:26 Release Date Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Contest is open to 5th graders; entry deadline is Feb. 28JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 10, 2025 – In recognition and celebration of Drinking Water Week, May 3-9, 2026, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Section American Water Works Association are holding a poster contest for students in the fifth grade. The department is now accepting entries, which must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2026.This year’s poster theme is “Save It, Don’t Waste It!” Posters should show ways to save and conserve our drinking water. Entries should be no larger than 11 x 17 inches, and artists may draw with any color or physical media, such as crayon, marker or pencil to create their posters. Digital media submissions will not be accepted. Entries will be judged on three criteria: How original the entry is, how well the concept is executed and how well the poster relates to public water supplies.Judges will choose a first, second and third place winner. Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. The American Water Works Association provides the prize money. The department will feature winning entries on its social media platforms and website. Posters will not be returned after the contest.Posters should be submitted to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Public Drinking Water Branch, Attention: Tena Hale, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.For more information or for questions about the contest, contact Tena Hale of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 573-526-2180 or Twilia.Hale@dnr.mo.gov or visit dnr.mo.gov/water/get-involved/drinking-water-week. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-releases-2025-progress-update-missouri-nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy 299541 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:18:43 +0000 MoDNR releases 2025 Progress Update for Missouri Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Karen Kremer Mon, 02/09/2026 - 12:18 Release Date Monday, February 9, 2026 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 9, 2025 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 Progress Update for the Missouri Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The update highlights the state’s significant progress in reducing nutrient pollution, improving water quality and strengthening statewide conservation efforts.The Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is Missouri’s long-term, adaptive approach to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to help protect local waterways and downstream ecosystems. The update outlines  progress Missouri has made through collaboration with state agencies, conservation districts, agricultural partners and local communities.“The Missouri Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy reflects the state’s commitment to balancing agricultural productivity, economic growth and environmental stewardship,” said Chris Wieberg, deputy director of MoDNR’s Missouri Geological Survey. “Missouri’s continued investment in conservation and nutrient management is delivering measurable results for our water resources and our economy. This progress update demonstrates how partnerships and better practices are making a real difference for communities across the state.”Key highlights from the 2025 Progress Update include:More than $168 million invested in conservation practices through the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax from 2022 to 2025.Prevention of more than 5.2 million tons of soil and associated nutrients from entering Missouri waterways.Expansion of cover crop adoption, with more than 168,000 acres served in 2025.Implementation of more than 50 active 4R Nutrient Stewardship contracts covering over 4,300 acres by MoDNR’s Soil and Water Conservation Program.The report also highlights Missouri’s participation in national efforts to address Gulf Hypoxia, the development of nutrient trading programs and ongoing research through edge-of-field monitoring and innovative other conservation practices.In addition to documenting progress, the update outlines priorities for 2026 and 2027. These include expanding nutrient trading, increasing watershed modeling, strengthening partnerships with USDA-NRCS and advancing research on emerging conservation technologies.The full 2025 Progress Update is available on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.mo.gov/document/missouri-nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy-2025-update.For more information about Missouri’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/water-planning/nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-eight-gubernatorial-appointments-0 15971 at https://governor.mo.gov Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:08:15 +0000 Governor Kehoe Announces Eight Gubernatorial Appointments Gabrielle.Picard Fri, 02/06/2026 - 15:08 February 6, 2026 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven gubernatorial appointments to various commissions and filled one county vacancy.Jason Choate, of Carthage, was appointed to the Safe Drinking Water Commission.Mr. Choate currently serves as the director of water services at Carthage Water and Electric Plant. He previously worked as the plant superintendent for Leggett and Platt, Branch One. Choate holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Southern State University.Timothy Ganz, of Wildwood, was appointed to the Safe Drinking Water Commission.Mr. Ganz is the director of environmental compliance and water quality for Missouri American Water, where he previously served as the environmental and operations manager. He is an active member of his community, serving as a trustee on the Missouri Section of the American Water Works Association and is the past president of the Missouri River Water Suppliers Association. Ganz earned his bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Biology from Saint Louis University, and his Master of Business Administration from Maryville University.Ashley Hoselton, of Galt, was appointed as the Sullivan County Public Administrator.Ms. Hoselton previously served as the deputy clerk for the Sullivan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office before being appointed as the interim public administrator for Sullivan County. She also serves as a member of the Sullivan County Senior Tax Board. Hoselton graduated from Chillicothe High School.Frank Offutt, of Platte City, was appointed to the Safe Drinking Water Commission.Mr. Offutt is the executive director of Platte County Public Water Supply District #4 and the district administrator for the Platte City Special Road District. He has a long history of civic service, including 16 years of experience as the mayor of Platte City. Offutt holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, as well as a commercial driver's license and a Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license.Charles "Matt" Pritchard, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Veterans' Commission.Mr. Pritchard currently serves as a regional director of external affairs for AT&T. He is a former corporal and field radio operator of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and a sergeant and combat engineer in the Missouri National Guard. He serves as chair of the Foundation for State Technical College of Missouri and previously served on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He holds an associate degree in electronics engineering from State Technical College of Missouri, a bachelor's degree in management from William Woods University, and a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University.Kathy Smith, of Shell Knob, was appointed to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.Prior to retirement, Ms. Smith served as the regional education director for the Walton Family Foundation. She previously worked as the deputy superintendent of secondary schools for Bentonville Public Schools. She is active in civic service, currently serving on the boards of the Arkansas for Education Reform Foundation, the Reform Alliance, and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a Master of Education from the University of Arkansas.Donald Summers Jr., of St. Louis, was appointed to the Safe Drinking Water Commission.Mr. Summers served as the assistant director of training for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 Training Center for over 20 years before retiring. After retirement, he opened a consulting company to work with Local 562 and other associations and organizations in the field. He remains an active member of his community, currently serving as a member of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. He also served on the board of directors for the Midwestern Apprenticeship and Training Coordinators Conference and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. Summers earned his Missouri vocational teaching certificate from the University of Missouri.Troy Williams, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Veterans' Commission.Mr. Williams is currently a service officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and formerly owned Sticks & Stones Landscaping in Eldon. Williams, a former lance corporal for the United State Marine Corps, has a strong record of service, including membership in the American Legion, Marine Corps League, DAV, and an extensive history of leadership in the VFW Department of Missouri. In recent years, he has served as VFW National Legislative Chairman, VFW Department of Missouri All-American Commander, and Department of Missouri District 2 Commander.### https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/news/2419 https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/?p=2419 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:54:03 +0000 House Democrats discussed this week in the Missouri House and took reporters’ questions. https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-opportunity-more-missouri-communities-earn-blue 15956 at https://governor.mo.gov Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:42:10 +0000 Governor Kehoe Announces Opportunity for More Missouri Communities to Earn Blue Shield Designation Gabrielle.Picard Wed, 02/04/2026 - 10:42 February 4, 2026 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced Missouri counties, towns, and cities can now apply to be recognized as Blue Shield communities in 2026 for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety.In 2025, 201 communities earned the Blue Shield designation and were later awarded state grants of $50,000 each for the purchase of law enforcement equipment and/or training. A map of Missouri Blue Shield communities and a list of these jurisdictions is available here. Equipment the state grants funded in 2025 included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios, and 56 vehicles.“Last year’s success of the Blue Shield program demonstrated what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “We are building on that commitment by expanding the program and giving more towns, cities, and counties the opportunity to earn a Blue Shield designation. This program is about accountability, partnership, and building on the foundation of a safer Missouri.”The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative announced on his first day in office. Governor Kehoe’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, announced on January 13, 2026, includes $10 million in grant funding for 2026 Blue Shield communities to invest in law enforcement equipment and training.The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers the Blue Shield Program. Applications should be made by an official from the jurisdictions seeking the Blue Shield designation in coordination with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Applications are made online, and all supporting materials can be uploaded here.Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 will use the same website to apply to renew their Blue Shield status for 2026.DPS plans to review applications and begin making determinations on Blue Shield designations for counties, cities, and towns within two weeks. DPS encourages communities to apply early, because if the General Assembly approves funding for the grant program, DPS will begin accepting grant applications in July, at the start of FY 2027, when the funding becomes available. Questions about the application process can be emailed to dpsinfo@dps.mo.gov.Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria includes:Passing a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; andCompliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.Blue Shield counties, cities and towns have to maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation. Once local governments are approved for a Blue Shield designation, they will receive a public relations toolkit to showcase their community’s commitment to public safety. This toolkit will include access to digital graphics and a draft press release that can be used by the community to highlight their participation in the program.“Blue Shield designation gives communities a clear path to invest in public safety and strengthen their support for local law enforcement officers,” continued Governor Kehoe. “We look forward to working with the General Assembly to invest another $10 million in the program this year.”Blue Shield Year 2 Apply Now.jpg ###