Alert: Learn about KC bike/ped projects in the Missouri transportation sales tax

On August 5th Missouri voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment for a 3/4 cent sales tax to increase transportation funding across the state. While this amendment would make bicycle, pedestrian and transit eligible for MoDOT funds for the first time, the details are still uncertain. Local officials proposed allocating 10% the region's new funding to bicycling and walking, but MoDOT's draft project list has apparently ignored that goal. It is unclear what, if any funding, will ultimately go to bicycling and walking.

There are still many unanswered questions and trade-offs for active transportation. You can speak up for bike/ped at one of MoDOT’s public information meeting this week.

Gamber Center 4 SE Independence Avenue Lee’s Summit, MO Monday, June 16, 4-7 pm	Union Station – Grand Hall East 30 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO Tuesday, June 17, 4-6 pm	Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs, MO Wednesday, June 18, 4-7 pm
Truman Memorial Building 416 W. Maple Ave. Independence, MO Thursday, June 19, 4-7 pm	Heritage Hall 117 W. Kansas St. Liberty, MO Tuesday, June 17, 2-5 p.m

Questions/issues:

MoDOT’s Bike/Ped project list is ambiguous. While bike/ped would be eligible for the new funding, MoDOT did not include any of the specific projects submitted by local governments.
No new funding for Amtrak. MoDOT has already announced they will not fund new or expanded passenger rail service in Missouri.
No funding specified for the Rock Island/Katy Trail extension.
No education, outreach, safety, or motorist awareness funding.
Local flexibility is constrained. The sales tax will go above 10% in many parts of KC, making it more difficult to raise local sales taxes for transit, trails, and roads.

More information: