http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-885986.mp3
Kansas City, Mo. – $50 million is destined for the Kansas City area for federal stimulus transportation work. The announcement came as part of the Obama Administration's national promotional blitz on the first anniversary of the economic recovery act.
The millions will be managed by Mid America Regional Council and be spread both sides of state line.
U.S. Transportation secretary Ray La Hood made much of transportation needs in poor parts of Kansas City where about half the money will be spent. The aim is to create jobs, soften urban blight and make mobility easier.
MARC head David Warm says the urban "Green Zone" is the hub and most of the money will go there. "The remainder will go to enhancing connectivity of the green impact zone through major transit corridors connecting into Kansas to the West and Independence to the East," says Warm.
Nearly half the money will expand bus mass transit.