Congressman Cleaver Applauds $8 Million Grant to Modernize KCATA Bus Operations Facility

Statement

United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded the Department of Transportation's (DOT) announcement of a $7.98 million grant being awarded to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to modernize its regional Operations and Dispatch Center (OC). In March Rep. Cleaver sent a letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao urging support for the grant funding.

"Public transportation is a critical component of everyday life in Kansas City as well as our local economy," said Congressman Cleaver. "I'm thrilled to see the Department of Transportation heed our calls for this much-needed funding, and I'm thankful to KCATA for their efforts in bringing this funding to fruition. As they utilize this grant to upgrade their Operations Center, I look forward to their continued service to the people of Kansas City."

"Congressman Cleaver has always been an advocate for public transportation," said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president & CEO. "We see the impact of his commitment reflected in the $56 million investment along the Prospect MAX corridor. We are grateful for Congressman Cleaver's and Senator Blunt's ability to deliver the critically needed funding to modernize our 1970s building, and make it fully ADA compliant. This grant will support safer, more energy efficient regional transit and a healthy workplace for our employees."

The OC building is a 43-year old facility that will cost taxpayers substantially less to renovate than to construct an entirely new building. The grant funding will go towards a new roof, new HVAC ductwork, making the OC fully ADA accessible and compliant, integrating new communication technology, and shifting their record system to an electronic system for greater efficiency.

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