FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 27, 1998
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel.: (202) 366-0787
FTA 17-98
SLATER ANNOUNCES $18.4 MILLION
FOR KANSAS CITY TRANSIT PROJECTS
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced the award of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds totaling $18.4 million to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) for the purchase of transit buses, fare collection equipment and construction of the intermodal terminal portion of the Union Station Renovation project.
Secretary Slater was joined in making the announcement by U.S. Sen. Christopher (Kit) Bond, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy and Mayor Emanuel Cleaver.
"President Clinton and I are committed to investing in public transportation projects, which will strengthen the economy and make travel easier for people in communities," Secretary Slater said. "The purchase of these buses and station construction will provide better and more efficient service for people who use transit in Kansas City."
The grants will be used to purchase 17 small buses to replace older models that have reached their useful life expectancy. The new buses, which are smaller in size and will be equipped with upgraded fareboxes, will be easier to navigate through city streets and provide more efficient service. All of the buses will be wheelchair lift-equipped to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The funds also will be used to continue construction of the intermodal terminal at Union Station. The terminal will link buses, Amtrak and taxi service. A proposed commuter rail line, which will help Kansas City's welfare recipients reach jobs in Johnson County, Kansas, will also be connected to the terminal.
Secretary Slater was in Kansas City for a two-day summit on Agricultural Transportation Challenges for the 21st Century, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.
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