FEBRUARY 2010

Public invited to discuss future land-use scenarios for Greater Kansas City at meetings on Feb. 3, 4, 11 and 17

Over the next 30 years, the Kansas City region can expect to add 500,000 people and 300,000 jobs. Predicting where they will be located helps jurisdictions plan for future travel needs. Community meetings will be hosted around the region Feb. 3, 4 and 11 to discuss land-use scenarios under consideration that show alternate ways of accommodating growth. The city of Leavenworth is hosting an additional meeting on Feb. 17. More ››

EPA proposes stricter air quality standards

In an effort to better protect public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed tighter air quality standards for ground-level ozone. Whether under the existing or the tighter proposed standards, Greater Kansas City is expected to be redesignated as an ozone nonattainment area and add several counties to its air quality boundary. More ››

MARC solicits aging transportation services proposals

MARC is conducting a funding round for aging transportation services in the Missouri counties of Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray for state fiscal year 2011 (July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011). The deadline to submit sealed proposals to the MARC office is noon on March 1. More ››

Another round of federal stimulus funding possible

Discussions are underway in Congress on potential jobs legislation that may include another short-term program of stimulus funds for transportation projects. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a version of this legislation (H.R. 2847) that would, among other things, provide $27.5 billion nationwide for highway infrastructure investment projects. More ››

Roadway fatalities drop significantly in 2009

MARC staff tracks roadway fatalities in the Kansas City region and gathers historical safety data for planning purposes. As of December 31, fatalities for 2009 in the region were down 16.2 percent compared to the five-year average. A total of 192 lives were lost on area roadways last year — 36 fewer than 2008. More ››

MetroGreen^® nationally recognized by The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund recently lauded MetroGreen's efforts in its Green Infrastructure Case Studies series, which highlights projects nationwide that have implemented conservation and sustainable practices. MetroGreen also has launched a new Web site with interactive mapping features, photos and resources. More ››

Transportation Outlook 2030 Update and Transportation Improvement Program amendments approved

In January, the MARC Board of Directors approved amendments to the region's current long-range transportation plan, Transportation Outlook 2030 Update, and the 2010–2014 Transportation Improvement Program. Both include a new interchange at Route 150/Botts Rd. in Kansas City, Mo., to serve growing freight traffic. More ››

MARC loses staff member

MARC staff member Sharon Grimes died unexpectedly in mid-January. Grimes joined MARC in July 2003 as executive assistant to Executive Director David Warm. Grimes was a professional in every way and very effective in her role as a primary MARC liaison. She led a life marked by generosity and compassion and will be missed greatly.