Prospect MAX, other projects rely on federal funding, rally speakers say

Transportation advocates posed for a selfie, intending it as a message to Washington that they want Congress to pass reauthorize a transportation bill that will help Kansas City.

Transportation advocates posed for a selfie, intending it as a message to Washington that they want Congress to pass reauthorize a transportation bill that will help Kansas City.

“Stand up and demand that elected officials support a highway bill,” Congressman Emanuel Cleaver told transportation supporters at a rally at 39th and Prospect yesterday.

Railing against inaction in Washington, Cleaver said Congress needs to renew funding for the federal transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which is set to expire on May 31, 2015.

“If by May 31st we don’t pass a highway transportation fund, the United States won’t have a penny to do improvement projects,” he said, and urged the audience to call their representatives and “tell them to do something.”

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver urged Kansas Citians to contact their elected officlals in Washington and demand that they take action on a transportation bill.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver urged Kansas Citians to contact their elected officlals in Washington and demand that they take action on a transportation bill.

Local officials and representatives of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) repeatedly stressed that local improvements, like recent ones along Prospect Avenue, are dependent on federal funding. Standing in front of a new ALDI grocery store at 39th and Prospect, they cited new buses, improvements between 22nd and 27th and Prospect, and new buses stops at 39th as important progress.

But officials are also counting on federal funding to help with the planned Prospect MAX rapid transit project.

“We’re excited about what is going on on Prospect, especially the Prospect MAX,” new KCATA CEO Joe Reardon said. “The ATA is committed to a transit focus on the Prospect Corridor. “ But, he added, the federal government is a critical partner is allowing the project to move forward.

Joe Jackson, who is part of a Bus Rapid Transit Advisory Committee, said the Prospect MAX represents more than just transportation.

“It’s a 50 million dollar economic engine for Prospect,” he said.

The KCATA says federal funding is an integral part of purchasing new vehicles like its new compressed natural gas buses, constructing transit centers, and expanding the popular MAX service now available on Troost and Main Street.

The rally was one of more than 300 across the country sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association.

Leave a Comment