Two KC Streetcar Extensions Are On A Roll After Receiving Federal Funding Announcements
Kansas City, Mo (September 10, 2020) – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced this morning that the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension project will receive $14.2 million in federal funding as part of the FTA’s BUILD Grant Program. This comes shortly after the FTA announced $50.8 million in New Starts Capital Improvement Grant funds for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project.
As part of the BUILD Grant program, the FTA is allocating $14.2 million in fiscal year 2020 federal funds to the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension project. This federal funding represents seventy percent of the total project cost, allowing the team to advance design and complete construction for this unprecedented project. The remaining funding for this $22.2 million project is coming from local sources, including $5 million from Port KC. The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension project team is a collaborative partnership between the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (Grant Recipient), the KC Streetcar Authority, Port KC, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
“I’m pleased that today Kansas City has secured an additional $14.2 million federal grant—on the heels of a recently awarded $50.8 million grant—to continue our Streetcar expansion efforts,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Since becoming mayor, I have met with administration leaders in Washington and Kansas City to advocate for our community’s transportation and infrastructure priorities, and I appreciate the U.S. Department of Transportation’s continued recognition of Kansas City’s commitment to providing free public options to all of our residents. I thank our Congressional delegation, the KC Streetcar Authority, the KCATA, and our taxpayers for their support to increase mobility and transit options for Kansas Citians,” Lucas continued.
This project will extend the existing downtown streetcar line 0.55 miles to Berkley Riverfront, from 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard to the base of the Grand Avenue Bridge near the Union Berkley Apartments. This extension will not only connect downtown to the riverfront but it will afford numerous other benefits in mobility, improved connectivity, and economic development. The Riverfront extension will increase the safety and enhance the livability of residents and visitors and introduce a park-and-ride opportunity to the Riverfront. It will provide convenient access for those commuting from the Northland metro to Downtown.
“The extension of the KC Streetcar to Berkley Riverfront is an important component to building a diverse, mixed-use neighborhood,” said Jon Stephens, president and CEO of Port KC. “One that is centered around citizens, transit-oriented, and with a focus on affordability. This federal grant announcement certainly builds on our momentum and allows for Berkley Riverfront to truly connect to the great neighborhoods in our city. Today is a huge win, and the latest step, for building a riverfront for all of Kansas City,” continued Stephens.
“This is another amazing moment for Kansas City public transit,” said Tom Gerend, executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “When added to the recently announced KC Streetcar Main Street extension federal funding, this project will complete the full River/Crown/Plaza transit spine as envisioned by our elected leadership many years ago. This achievement would not be possible without the strong partnership team led by the KCATA, and including Port KC and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. It’s time to get to work on not just one, but two streetcar extensions,” continued Gerend.
“This is a continuation of the exciting transportation projects being supported by Senator Blunt and our congressional delegation that are transforming our region,” said Robbie Makinen, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. “KCATA is pleased to be the grant lead for the successful partnership to extend the streetcar to the riverfront.”
“This announcement marks a transformational opportunity for Downtown Kansas City, as we begin the process of extending KC Streetcar services north to Berkley Riverfront,” said Bill Dietrich, president & CEO of the Downtown Council. “We stand in full support of the KC Streetcar Authority, as work begins soon on seamless streetcar service from the Riverfront through Downtown and on south to UMKC. This is a game-changer for Kansas City.”
The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension project is currently in the design phase. Current schedules estimate construction beginning in 2021 and the opening of the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension in 2024. Project information including renderings and the Build Grant application may be found on the KC Streetcar website, www.kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/streetcar-riverfront-extension/.