USDOT, Kansas City Team to Deliver Mobility, Infrastructure Projects

One of the projects that USDOT and Kansas City, Mo., could move forward under a new partnership agreement is the bi-state east-west streetcar extension. Valued at $1.5 billion, it could link the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kans., in the east to the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Mo., in the west. (Screenshot of KC Streetcar video)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Oct. 24 established an Emerging Projects Agreement with Kansas City, Mo., to “explore opportunities for innovative project planning, procurement, financing and delivery” that could include using Build America Bureau-provided low-interest loans as well as technical assistance grants. Eight projects valued at more than $15 billion are being considered under the agreement; two are rail related.

The Build America Bureau and Kansas City in August held a workshop with stakeholders to review infrastructure needs and “help identify potential innovative solutions,” according to USDOT, which noted that both review infrastructure projects based on “their public benefits and in a manner that promotes equity and environmental justice.”

The projects they are considering for financing include:

1. A fixed, 21-mile rail line from the airport, connecting riders to downtown Kansas City and the core of the city’s transportation systems. Price tag: $10.5 billion.
2. A bi-state east-west streetcar extension, linking underserved communities with healthcare and jobs. The project, valued at $1.5 billion, could connect the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kans., in the east to the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Mo., in the west.
3. Reconnecting The Eastside, a study of the Highway 71 corridor to address the “displacement this corridor has left on historic Black neighborhoods,” according to USDOT. Price tag: $1.6 billion.
4. Reconnecting The Westside, a study of the I-35 corridor to address the “disruption caused by the viaduct,” USDOT said, and connect Kansas City’s historic Hispanic communities to the downtown central business district. Price tag: $1.5 billion.
5. Construction of an urban park at Interstate 670, adding green space and removing the divide created by the highway’s construction. Price tag: 314 million.
6. City-wide bridge repairs or replacement. Price tag: $147 million.
7. Blue River Watershed safety and connectivity improvements, including economic and workforce development and neighborhood reinvestment programs. Price tag: $123 million.
8. “Vision Zero” city-wide safety and connectivity improvements for all transportation modes. Price tag: $75 million.

If selected, the projects could take advantage of low-interest rate financing such as the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans, Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF), Private Activity Bonds (PABs), and technical assistance grants, according to USDOT.

“This agreement formalizes our collaborative effort to explore innovative approaches and best practices with Kansas City’s officials,” Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian said. “We have formed a strong partnership to deliver this program effectively and efficiently. Together, we will advance these critical projects in innovative and sustainable ways so we can ensure the continued mobility and economic health of this thriving community.”

“This Department is always ready to partner with cities to help realize their unique visions for safer, cleaner, more modern transportation,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “I’ve had the chance to see firsthand the great strides Kansas City is taking to modernize their infrastructure, and this agreement will help advance that work for years to come.” 

“My administration is proud to have a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation to help us improve the lives of Kansas Citians and I am thrilled about our collaboration to bring billions of dollars to our community to make improvements, including reconnecting communities once torn apart by highway construction, creating a rapid transit system from the airport to the urban core, and making critical repairs to our bridges, ultimately creating a safer, more interconnected Kansas City for generations,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “I am proud our federal partnerships continue to allow us to make transformational, positive impacts in our community, and I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Build America Bureau for helping us find long-term solutions to ensure Kansas Citians are able to travel to all areas of our community safely, efficiently, and equitably.”

Separately, Canadian Pacific Kansas City on Oct. 19 reported signing a 10-year stadium naming-rights agreement with the Kansas City Current, part of the National Women’s Soccer League. The stadium—under construction in Kansas City, Mo.—is slated to be served in 2025 by a Kansas City Streetcar extension.