KCATA Completes First TIGER-Funded Improvement

Posted on: Feb 18, 2011

KCATA Completes First Of Many TIGER-Funded Transit Improvements

(Kansas City, Mo. – Feb. 15, 2011) The area’s first TIGER-funded infrastructure projects will be completed today by the city of Independence and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) with the installation of heaters at the Independence MetroCenter. Last year, the region received a $50 million competitive federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program for transportation infrastructure improvements. The Independence MetroCenter in Independence, Mo., northwest corner of Truman Road and Noland Road, is a transit hub for seven bus routes serving Independence and the #24-Independence and #24X-Independence Express. Customers who are waiting for a bus or making a transfer at the MetroCenter can now be more comfortable with the newly installed heaters. “The Independence MetroCenter includes ample seating and shelter for customers who depend on The Metro to get to work, shopping and the doctor,” said Mark Huffer, KCATA General Manager. “The addition of heaters will now make their wait even more comfortable.” The $13,587 project was paid for with 100 percent federal funds. Installation was performed by Leath and Sons.

Upcoming Projects

The $50 million TIGER grant will fund projects in the Green Impact Zone and improvements to major transit corridors in Kansas and Missouri over the next few years. Beginning in March, KCATA will begin engineering and design for transit improvements in the State Avenue Corridor. KCATA and the city of Kansas City, Mo., will also seek construction bids for various projects in the Green Impact Zone. Design work is complete on transit stop improvements at Truman Road and Winner Road, and at Truman Road and Osage Road in the city of Independence, Mo. Design work is in progress on the transit stop improvement at U.S. Highway 24 and Brookside Avenue, as well as at the Blue Ridge transfer center. A photo inventory of TIGER project locations is available from the Mid-America Regional Council. In addition to the city of Independence, other major TIGER partners are Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Johnson County Transit and Mid-America Regional Council. Other partners include a number of local cities in Kansas and Missouri. The grant aims to improve transportation infrastructure, provide greater access and mobility to opportunities, create jobs and impact economy.