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Rep. Cleaver Announces Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor

February 21, 2022

The Regional Infrastructure Project Will Create Greater Opportunity Through Sustainability, Mobility and Economic Development

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), along with Mayors Eileen Weir (Independence, MO) and Tyrone Garner (Kansas City, KS), as well as Jackson County Executive Frank White, announced their plans for a Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor. The regional project is a coordinated effort to maximize federal funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with a comprehensive plan to create greater opportunity throughout the region with strategic investments in sustainability, mobility, and economic development.

"President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our entire region to create sustainable communities, provide greater opportunity for economic mobility, and ensure our jurisdictions have the energy efficient infrastructure necessary to remain competitive throughout the 21st century—but coordination is critical," said Congressman Cleaver. "By coming together and uniting behind a comprehensive plan to expand the region's zero-emission transportation, build out our green infrastructure, connect communities in a sustainable way, and facilitate economic development through clean energy, we believe this corridor can attract key federal investments that will be a catalyst for greater economic growth while cutting down on emissions and harmful pollution. As we continue to reach out to local stakeholders and neighborhood leaders to see how local projects can fit into this framework, I want to thank Representative Davids, Mayors Weir, Garner, and Lucas, and County Executive White for their partnership in this exciting effort."

"Part of the Kansas City Metro's strength is our interconnection and collaboration. We should absolutely leverage that to bring smart, sustainable investments to our communities," said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). "Working together, we can use the historic bipartisan infrastructure law to make lasting improvements in our local economy, our climate impact, and our quality of life. I appreciate Congressman Cleaver's leadership and look forward to working together with local and state partners in Kansas."

"Economic mobility, public health, access to employment and housing, and workforce development are cornerstones of our strategic plan ‘Independence for All'. The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor provides limitless opportunities within our city and our region for many years to come," said Mayor Eileen Weir.

"Far too often our programs and planning are limited by our invisible jurisdictional lines," said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. "This coordinated, comprehensive regional plan eliminates those lines and increases our chances of receiving federal funds that are essential to making these plans a reality. Jackson County is committed to building a better and more equitable community for everyone. With the support of Congressman Cleaver, Representative Davids and my fellow elected officials across the region, we are paving the way to provide increased connectivity, opportunity and economic sustainability for residents and businesses no matter what side of the state line they call home."

"We look forward to catalyzing growth and opportunity within Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County through the development of sustainable economic development strategies that are enabled by the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor and enhanced federal funding the corridor will bring to our community," said Mayor Tyrone Garner.

"The Bi-state Reinvestment Corridor is directly aligned with KCATA's mission to provide equitable access to jobs, medical care, affordable housing and education," said Robbie Makinen, KCATA President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to working with Congressman Cleaver, other congressional delegates and the community to build this reinvestment corridor that includes workforce development, green infrastructure and valuable transit improvements."

With a concentration on funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor will focus on a wide range of federal and local investments to create a corridor that will connect three major cities in two states and two counties along State Avenue, Independence Avenue and Truman Road. In support of the region's Climate Action Plan, the project aims to implement a 24-mile zero-emission regional transit route with improved access to housing, health care, employment, and education for citizens in each city and surrounding area.

The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor will target federal grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that would support:

  • Zero-emission transportation options: Electric buses; new and upgraded mobility hubs; expanded KC Streetcar and MAX services; and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
  • Affordable housing: Energy-efficient retrofits; new units and construction; transit-oriented/connected development.
  • Green infrastructure: Enhanced tree canopy coverage; upgraded stormwater systems; electric vehicle charging stations; residential solar panels.
  • Broadband Access: Implementation of wired and wireless service; increased capacity; updated equipment.
  • Safety and security enhancement: Shot spotter; license plate readers; Community Improvement Districts; other public safety technologies.
  • Economic development: Workforce training; access to child care; private investment along the corridor.
  • Public schools and libraries: Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to reduce utility costs.

The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor is endorsed by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), and RideKC.

A Fact Sheet on the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.