7 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

 

 

MEDIA ALERT
 

THE KC STREETCAR IS ROLLING TO THE RIVER
Two KC Streetcar Extensions are on a Roll After Receiving Federal Funding Announcements

 
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,” continued Lucas.

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 PortKC 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.”

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/

[KevinKorell]

Mass Transit magazine, 9/8/21:

 

 

    With two extensions underway, KC streetcar eyes crossing Missouri River into North KC 

 

 

The Kansas City Streetcar may have another shot at crossing the Missouri River as officials revive a Northland expansion effort.

 

Full story

[KevinKorell]

WDAF-TV, Fox-4 in Kansas City, MO, 12/28/21:

 

 

   Team begins study to take streetcar into North Kansas City    

 

 

With construction on the southern extension starting soon, the Kansas City Streetcar Authority is ready to explore taking the rail to the north.

 

This is the story.

[KevinKorell]

KCTV-TV, Channel 5 in Kansas City, MO, 4/27/22:

 

 

   Another extension possible as KC Streetcar looks north    

 

Progress is continuing to be made in extending the Kansas City Streetcar 3.5 miles from the River Market to the UMKC campus by 2025.

 

What many might not know is there might be another extension in the works.

 

Here is that story.

[KevinKorell]

KSHB-TV, Channel 41 in Kansas City, MO, 6/28/22:

 

 

    KC Streetcar to reveal designs for possible north extensions Tuesday  

 

 

The KC Streetcar will unveil designs for a possible extension north across the Missouri River to North Kansas City, Missouri, Tuesday afternoon.

 

This is the latest.

[KevinKorell]

WDAF-TV, Fox-4 in Kansas City, MO, 11/28/23:
 

 

   Kansas City Streetcar extension to riverfront sees 75% price increase    

 

 

The cost of the Kansas City Streetcar’s extension to the riverfront has jumped 75%.

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

E-mail from RideKC, 2/22/24:

 

 

 

 

NEXT STOP: THE KANSAS CITY RIVERFRONT

Crews to Break Ground on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 22, 2024) – Exciting things are happening on the Riverfront and on Friday, March 1, Kansas City will celebrate one more addition – the KC Streetcar. 

Kansas City is invited to take part in the groundbreaking for a monumental transportation project that will completely transform how the community connects to the Riverfront. Join with project partners - Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA), PortKC, and the City of Kansas City, Mo.- as they get ready to mark the start of construction for the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension. This momentous event will kick off the $61 million project, setting the stage for a new era of connectivity, showcasing Kansas City’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors.

WHAT: KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension Groundbreaking Ceremony & Community Open House

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00 am

WHERE: Riverfront Drive and Berkley Plaza (just north of the Port KC offices at 110 Berkley Plaza) Attendees are encouraged to carpool, bike, or use public transit to the event. RideKC Route 210 Front Street serves the Riverfront, with about a 5-minute walk.

Following the ceremony, there will be a community open house at the Port KC office, providing an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to meet the construction team, engage with project leaders, and learn more about this transformative project.

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension will cover 0.7 miles, connecting from the streetcar line at 3rd & Grand to the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront Park, and just steps away from CPKC Stadium.  The project is made possible through a collaborative public and private partnership and funded with a combination of federal and local dollars: $35.2 million in federal funding and $25.9 million in local funding. 

[KevinKorell]

KSHB-TV, Channel 41 in Kansas City, MO, 3/1/24:

 

 

 KC Streetcar to break ground on new riverfront extension    

 

 

The KC Streetcar Authority will break ground on the riverfront extension route.

 

Entire story