Kansas City — New Source of Streetcar Funding

September 2012

After failing to attract a $25 million federal TIGER grant earlier in the year, the city has hopes for two more federal grants, according to the Kansas City Star. The Mid-America Regional Council’s transportation committee endorsed the city’s applications for two other federal grants totaling $18 million. The Council's board is expected to approve the applications as well.

Of the total requested, $16 million would pay for four streetcars to operate on the planned line. Officials hope missing $7 million anticipated in the TIGER grant would be made up by cutting expenses and using contingency funds.

Voter approval in the transportation development district along the planned streetcar line is still need for a taxing plan that will pay the major part of the $100 million cost. Results from that vote will not be known until December.

The city would like to start construction of the route along Main Street between the River Market and Union Station in mid 2013, with operation slated for early 2015.