South Metro Connection Study Listening Session June 14

CONTACT: Mell Henderson, MARC Director of Transportation, 816/474-4240; Chris Rops, HNTB Transportation Director, HNTB Project Manager, 913/491-9333; or Jody Ladd Craig, MARC Public Affairs Director, 816/701-8241, jcraig@marc.org

The South Metro Connection study team will host a public Listening Session on June 14 to gather input on future transportation options in southern Johnson County, Kan., and northern Cass County, Mo. The South Metro Connection Study will examine and identify what type of east-west connection is needed between the two counties.

The South Metro Connection Study is a cooperative effort led by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) with Johnson County, Cass County, the cities of Overland Park, Olathe, and Belton, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

“As we begin this study we want the public to have the opportunity to share their concerns with the study team,” said Mell Henderson, director of transportation for MARC. “Our presentation will address some of the questions and concerns we have heard to date, but it is our intent as a study team to listen to what issues and concerns are out there and find a way to address them in our study process.”

The issues identified during the Listening Session will help the study team as they evaluate the traffic, land use and environmental features in the area and the region. “All of the information gathered will help to develop the purpose and need for what type of transportation connections are appropriate in this area,” said Henderson.

A public purpose and need workshop will be held later this summer to discuss how all of these factors work together.

As the southern portion of the Kansas City metro area continues to grow, the economic connection between Johnson and Cass counties continue to evolve, which is reflected in commuting patterns. The study limits are generally identified as 175th Street on the north, 199th on the South, Holmes Road on the east and US 69 on the west. The corridor being examined includes about four miles in Kansas and one mile in Missouri.

The South Metro Connection Study represents a planning effort only. At this time, no decisions have been made and funding for any projects is not available. The study is intended to identify desired projects and help preserve any necessary land to protect future options.

MARC has hired HNTB, of Overland Park, Kan., to address these concerns through a comprehensive traffic, land use and communications plan. Early public involvement activities include: the formation of a Partnership Advisory Board, a newsletter and questionnaire, public officials briefings, and a purpose and need workshop.

For more information on the study, call 913-312-4911; e-mail southmetro@hntb.com; or mail comments and questions to South Metro Connection Study, HNTB, 7430 130th Street, Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66212. The Web site address is www.marc.org/transportation/smc.