Fractious KC Council finalizes streetcar contract
Written by Douglas John BowenIn a contentious 8-to-5 vote Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, the Kansas City (Mo.) Council gave final approval to a joint venture construction contract for the city's initial streetcar line.
St. Joseph, Mo.-based Herzog Contracting Corp. and Alameda, Calif.-based Stacy and Witbeck had previously received preliminary approval, but a City Council minority protested the selection process, which weighted several factors besides lowest cost.
Other local groups, including local labor organizations and members form the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Building and Trades Council, also objected to the process, citing less local input from the winning joint venture.
The 2.2-mile streetcar project earlier this month was awarded $20 million in federal funding from the fifth round of TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants.
