Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri is the first state in the nation to receive a federal grant for rural transit as part of national COVID-19 relief efforts. The Federal Trainsit Administration announced a $61.7 million grant to the Missouri Department of Transportation as a part of the CARES Act.

MoDOT will use the funds for operating expenses and capital assistance for 30 Missouri rural agencies. Among the recipients of the federal assistance are the OATS Inc., which operates in 87 Missouri counties and the City of Excelsior Springs.

Operating expenses incurred beginning on January 20 are eligible, including operating expenses to maintain transit services as well as payment for administrative leave for transit personnel due to reduced operations during an emergency.