COLUMBIA — The federal government has canceled a $2.13 million federal grant awarded to improve Columbia’s Business Loop 70, The Loop announced Monday.
The Federal Highway Administration was directed to close out the grant and return the funds, according to a news release. The money was intended to support early improvements to Business Loop 70 through a partnership between the city, Missouri Department of Transportation, and the Loop Community Improvement District.
Loop CID representatives said they are reviewing possible next steps, including reapplying for future grants or exploring local funding options.
Local businesses along Business Loop 70 said improvements are needed.
“We pay extra property taxes for improvements, and it’s been the exact same down here as it has ever been,” said Kayvon Ashrafzadeh, the owner of Columbia Pet Center on Business Loop 70. “I think better lighting, sidewalks and buried utility lines would be great.”
A separate federal grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program is still active. That grant will fund a road safety audit of Business Loop 70 to evaluate current conditions for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
