COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR RESOLUTION NO. 080696, AS AMENDED

Expressing the Councils concerns regarding the proposed funding mechanism for the conversion of US-71 to interstate standards as an amendment to the Kansas City regions long-range transportation plan, Transportation Outlook 2030; and directing the City Clerk to distribute copies of this resolution as directed herein.

WHEREAS, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), in collaboration with the citizens and leaders of the Kansas City metropolitan area, has developed a regional long-range transportation plan, Transportation Outlook 2030; and

WHEREAS, the transportation plan is periodically updated to reflect the regions evolving transportation needs; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has proposed that the conversion of US-71 to interstate standards from the Cass/Bates County lines north to Highway 7 be adopted as an update to the transportation plan (Project #720); and

WHEREAS, Project #720 would have an expected construction date of 2013 with an estimated cost in excess of $13 million; and

WHEREAS, MoDOT has proposed allocating $8.5 million from the Kansas City Area District (District 4) flexible funds for fiscal year 2012/13 to Project #720; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City and other cities within District 4 have been required to contribute matching local funds, despite having proposed equally meritorious projects, as a condition of receiving MoDOT funding; and

WHEREAS, it currently appears that Project #720 would be completed without a similar requirement being imposed on Cass County; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City believes that projects should be funded equitably, consistently, and in accordance with the regional urban prioritization processes; and

WHEREAS, MARCs Total Transportation Policy Committee is accepting public comments on the proposed update until July 22, 2008; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That the City recognizes the value of the conversion of US-71 to interstate standards as contemplated by the proposed amendment to the long-range transportation plan inasmuch as the improvement would promote development along the corridor and provide an improved southerly access route to and from the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Section 2. That the City, while recognizing the value of the proposed amendment, believes that prioritization and funding of the proposed amendment should be done in a manner consistent with the funding of similar projects within District 4.

Section 3. That the City encourages the parties to fully explore other avenues by which the proposed project might be funded and hereby encourages MoDOT to require financial participation from the local jurisdictions adjacent to the proposed project.

Section 4. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to MARCs Total Transportation Policy Committee for its consideration, in response to its request for public comment.

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