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Mid-America Regional Council
Phone: 816/474-4240
Fax: 816/421-7758
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Project Overview

The southern portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area is one in transition. As the area grows and develops, the economic connection between Johnson and Cass counties also evolves — reflected in part by commuting patterns. In 2000, more than 7,000 workers commuted between the two counties each day, even without a direct major transportation connection between them. The region’s population and employment forecasts suggest that even larger numbers of households and businesses will be located in southern Johnson County and northern Cass County in the next 25 years. As this growth materializes over time in both counties, the economic connection between them is expected to become stronger.

In response to forecasted growth and development, it is important to start examining now whether future infrastructure and transportation improvements may be needed in the south metro area, including a possible east-west connection between Johnson and Cass counties. The South Metro Connection Study aims to engage the community in an effort to define the "place" that the residents and businesses want to create in the southern part of the Kansas City region.

The transportation system influences how land-use patterns develop, and land-use decisions shape the demand for transportation services and improvements. Managing this interaction can be a considerable challenge. The South Metro Connection Study will examine varying degrees of land-use development intensities in the area and their influences on the transportation system. This analysis, combined with public input, will help determine whether a connection is needed, and if so, what type should occur between Holmes Road in Missouri and U.S. 69 in Kansas to accommodate forecasted growth in Johnson and Cass Counties.

Citizens, stakeholders and elected officials will play a key role in helping to shape a vision for managing transportation and land use, quality of life, and growth dynamics in the south metro area. There could be several ways to address potential needs in the area, and this study will help the community decide which solutions to pursue that help maintain the quality of life enjoyed by its residents.
At this time there is no determination on whether infrastructure improvements are needed, or where new facilities might be built.

Study limits

The South Metro Connection Study will examine transportation connections between U.S. 69 in Kansas and Holmes Road in Missouri. Study limits are generally identified as 175th Street on the north, 199th Street on the south, Holmes Road on the east and U.S. 69 on the west (Note: The study limits are approximate but will not vary by more than ¼ – ½ mile).

The project will include brief examinations of the South Metro Connection Study outcome’s impact on North Cass County Parkway — which terminates at Holmes Road — and potential transportation alternatives from U.S. 69 to I-35.

Study goals and objectives

The study will identify transportation needs of the study area based on current and forecasted future land-use development and travel supply/demand. It will:

The South Metro Connection study will also include a review from Holmes Road to U.S. 71 of Cass County’s North Cass Parkway Study to determine whether modifications to that proposed facility are needed.

The project will require an environmental assessment/review to determine the level of impacts to the environment, both natural and man-made. The initial assessment and corridor location study will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within 18 months of the study being initiated. After review, FHWA will make the determination of a finding of no significant impact (FONSI), or determine that a more detailed analysis or an Environmental Impact Statement are required. Typical time frames for an EIS would be within 3 to 5 years of the study being initiated.

Read more on study purpose and needs ››   (pdf. 1.6MB)

How study is being funded

The study is being funded by public jurisdictions (see list and amounts below). Neither the existing Richards-Gebauer nor proposed Gardner Intermodal terminals have provided funding for the study. BNSF has given no money to MARC for this project or any other activities.

Johnson County $329,914
Kansas Department of Transportation $85,323 (15% of the total study cost, up to $100,000)
Cass County $85,323
Overland Park $39,817
Olathe $28,441
Total $568,818
 
amended November 28, 2006

 

Growth Data

Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) –
A Metropolitan Statistical Area is used by the U.S. Bureau of the Census for population and employment forecasting.

1990 Census - 1,582,875 people in Kansas City MSA

2000 Census - 1,776,062 people (12.2% increase)

The Kansas City MSA is expected to post similar growth rates in the 2010 Decennial Census, bringing the MSA population between 1,992,000 and 2,000,000 people. Much of this increase will be located in the southern parts of the Kansas City MSA.

 

Kansas City Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Area – As recognized by MARC, the region consists of Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas, and Platte, Clay, Jackson, and Cass counties in Missouri.

MARC’s Metro Dataline statistics show population increases similar to those from the U.S. Census. MARC estimates show that approximately 1,948,000 people live within the MARC designated MPO region (as of June 2005).

The majority of job growth in the Kansas City region is forecasted to be in the southern and western areas. While growth rates are modest when compared to many other major metropolitan areas, the region should still plan for the increased growth that will certainly occur over the next 10 to 40 years.

 

Sub-region – The southern Kansas City metro area
This part of the Kansas City MSA generally contains the fastest growth in population, land-use development (residential, commercial and retail), employment and congestion.