Public transit plays a critical part in our region’s transportation system. Expansion is needed, but funding continues to be cut. To help explore financing opportunities for transit, the Missouri Public Transit Association is hosting a panel discussion highlighting the role Transportation Development District (TDD) funding played in financing the successful KC Streetcar project and how it could be used in other communities. The event is set for Thursday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Catholic Diocese Offices inside the Historic New York Life Building in Downtown Kansas City, located at 20 West 9th Street (64105). The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be completed at www.mopublictransit.org or by calling 314-231-7272.
Those in attendance will hear from a panel of experts, including Doug Stone, TDD Legal Counsel; David Johnson of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance and Tom Gerend, the executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority. These individuals will address the technical aspects of Missouri’s TDD legislation, the types of projects that qualify for funding, the KC Streetcar project’s analysis of funding options with the TDD, experiences with legal challenges and considerations for further modification of the TDD Act.
“Missouri’s public transit systems need to be expanded to cover more riders, in more neighborhoods in both urban and rural areas,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of the Missouri Public Transit Association. “The distinct lack of funding for transit in the state of Missouri is a major road block. This topic, which is being addressed as part of the organization’s on-going educational series, will enable local leaders to explore a readily available financing option that could help move projects forward.”
MPTA’s Educational Series was launched in 2016 in support of its members. The series features quarterly events focused on issues that transit providers and advocacy organizations encounter in the transit industry in Missouri. Special thanks to the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance for its support of Spring 2018 event.
To register for the panel discussion or to learn more about the Missouri Public Transit Association, visit www.mopublictransit.org. Individuals can also like the organization on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @MOPublicTransit.