JEFFERSON CITY —State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, has been named to a task force of Missouri lawmakers, transportation experts, economic development professionals and others who will study the feasibility of bringing emerging “hyperloop” technology to the Show-Me State.
“I am excited to be involved in this revolutionary project to discuss the feasibility of developing advanced 21st century transportation technology in Missouri,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “The idea of zipping across the state in 30 minutes sounds like science fiction but, if this project proceeds, that is exactly what we could see. I am proud to be asked to help look into this amazing concept.”
The Blue Ribbon Panel on Hyperloop was announced Tuesday, March 13, following the release of an engineering study that gave initial support to a first-in-the nation hyperloop transportation system, which would connect Kansas City with St. Louis. The hyperloop system would transport passengers inside pods that hurdle through an enclosed tube at speeds up to 700 miles per hour. Hyperloop pods would levitate magnetically as they speed across the state.
Virgin Hyperloop One, the company behind the cross-Missouri proposal, is currently testing the technology in Nevada. Missouri was selected as a potential site for initial practical application due to the relatively flat and straight route along the Interstate-70 corridor. Kansas City engineering firm Black and Veatch recently completed a nine-month study of the proposed “Heartland Hyperloop.”
Senator Luetkemeyer was asked to serve on the panel evaluating the concept and guiding potential development in Missouri. The task force will be chaired by Missouri’s lieutenant governor and include the director of the Department of Economic Development and the president of the University of Missouri.
For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit www.senate.mo.gov/luetkemeyer.