Moberly, MO - (1-6-26) The City of Moberly secured a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to fund the demolition of the grain towers at the eastern edge of downtown. The grant provides $321,000 in federal funds, with the City contributing a local match of $101,375, bringing the total project budget to approximately $422,375. The demolition paves the way for improved safety and future development around the site.
“We are grateful to the Missouri DED for recognizing the importance of this project,” Mayor Brandon Lucas said. “Their support allows us to address a critical need and invest in the future of our city.”
The project has been an on-going priority of the City’s focus on community revitalization. The towers were built in the 1950s and decommissioned around 1980. While numerous redevelopment concepts were proposed in the years following the closure, none came to fruition. Over the years, the condition of the towers continued to
deteriorate, increasing risk to public safety. Through a collaboration with the property owner, the City acquired the site as a donation.
“Without CDBG funding there was not much hope of addressing these long-term vacant structures in the heart of the community,” explained Tom Sanders, Community Development Director. “We are excited and grateful that our application for funding was selected and appreciate the well-established partnership we have with Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments to manage grants like this.”
With funding secured, the City will begin the process of selecting qualified demolition contractors and completing required environmental reviews. Demolition activities will include asbestos inspection and removal, engineering oversight, and site clearance. The grant also covers administrative costs and ensures compliance with federal requirements. Demolition work is expected to commence later this year, with completion targeted well before the grant’s performance period ends in December 2028.
The grant is part of more than $16 million announced this week that the Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded to 43 projects statewide through the CDBG Program’s Fiscal Year 2025 Competitive Cycle. These funds help communities like Moberly statewide address essential infrastructure needs, upgrade facilities, and carry out demolition projects that improve safety and foster economic growth
