Surface Transportation Committee

The Greater Kansas City Chamber's Surface Transportation committee meeting is coming up on Thursday, April 7th, 7:30 a.m., here in the Chamber's boardroom.

Speakers:

* Mike Burke, King Hershey
Kansas City, Missouri - Infrastructure and Budget

* Melissa Goss, Office of Congressman Sam Graves
House Transportation bill

* Todd Ashby and Marcy Smalley, Mid-America Regional Council
Smart Moves Update

Michael Burke is a practicing attorney and is President of the firm of King Hershey in Kansas City. Michael Burke has been very active in Kansas City civic affairs and has held a wide variety of positions on civil boards and commissions, including: Chair, Needs Assessment Sub-Committee of the Community Infrastructure Committee, Member of Metro Transit Task Force and Light Rail Subcommittee, Member of MARC Bi-State Funding District Planning Committee, Chair, Kansas City Missouri Port Authority.

The KCMO budget proposal currently under consideration by the Council would cut approximately $8 million in funding from the regular maintenance and repair of existing roads, bridges, public buildings, traffic signals, parks, and catch basins. Also of concern is the roughly $40 million in deferred maintenance funds that have been allocated over the past few years but not spent. Adequate and current maintenance of the city's streets, bridges, and buildings is essential to private investment, business growth, and job creation.

Melissa Goss, House Transportation Reauthorization Bill
The Transportation bill, H.R. 3, is reauthorized every 6 years.The House version of the bill provides $284 billion in funding. The bill means about $790 million in more money is headed for Missouri. Congressman Sam Graves announced that the House passed legislation that includes money for local Kansas City projects. The House bill contains $5 million to complete a Missouri River Crossing Study, $2 million to widen Chouteau Trafficway to 4 lanes and $500,000 to complete an economic impact study for the North Oak Redevelopment Corridor.

Todd Ashby and Marcy Smalley, Smartmoves Update
Smart Moves will cost approximately $155 million annually to implement. $90 million is projected to be available: 1/3 from passenger fares, 1/3 from state/federal sources, 1/3 from existing KCMO ½ cent sales tax for transit. $65 million will need to be raised regionally. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please call Christine Murray at The Chamber, 816-374-5413 or by email murray@kcchamber.com.

If you would like to attend this meeting, please RSVP by email or call (816) 374-5490 and let me know if you will be attending. Thanks for your continued support of the Chamber! If you would like to be added to this committee, please contact Anne Cull at 816-374-5490 or email cull@kcchamber.com.

The 2005 Surface Transportation Committee meetings are as follows:
April 7
May 5
June 2
July 7
August 4
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1

The Chamber validates parking for the 811 Main Garage, Commerce Garage located on 10th Street between Main and Walnut streets, or the new Tower Garage located between 9th and 10th on Walnut.