Kansas and Missouri leaders officially launch Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor project

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II joined local officials on Aug. 13 in Kansas City, Missouri, to kick off the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor project. Starting at the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas, and heading east to Independence, Missouri, the 24-mile corridor connects four cities in two states and two counties with the goal of implementing a zero-emission regional transit route. 

“I can tell you, as a legislator, it’s much easier to fund projects if people are working together," said Cleaver. “With a concentration on sustainability, public transportation and economic development, this $5.6 million RAISE grant has an opportunity to be a shining example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can create a sustainable, equitable future for an entire region.”

In addition to updating transportation plans and completing advanced conceptual engineering designs for high-capacity transit routes, the initiative will support regional efforts to improve access to housing, health care, employment and education for residents in each city and surrounding area.

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner stressed that collaboration and relationships are key to success. 

“We are a unified Kansas City,” said Garner. "Having these programs and projects that connect people and commerce – we are happy. This is going to be something of great value.” 

Partners involved in the corridor project include the Unified Government; Kansas City, Missouri; Jackson County, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; Sugar Creek, Missouri; RideKC; and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).

MARC is coordinating the long-term, multi-jurisdictional strategy to support infrastructure, transportation and economic development along this corridor. Multiple organizations and government entities are coming together to thoughtfully develop a specific area in several phases.