Senators Lauren Arthur, Barbara Anne Washington and Senate Colleagues Secure Funding for Kansas City 

JEFFERSON CITY — The Kansas City area will receive funding for several high-priority infrastructure, capital improvement and health care projects thanks to the advocacy of Senate Appropriations Committee members Senators Lauren Arthur, D-Clay County, and Barbara Anne Washington, D-Kansas City, and their colleagues who represent the metropolitan area’s senatorial districts.

“Kansas City is one of Missouri’s top economic drivers, so I’m thankful my colleagues and I were able procure funding to improve and enrich our shared community,” said Sen. Washington. “These investments will have a lasting, generational impact, making our region more prosperous while simultaneously providing critically needed services.”

The senators also helped restore and protect statewide funding for vital needs and services.

“Budgets are about priorities, and making sure the Kansas City region remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving community was a top priority for area legislators,” said Sen. Arthur. “This budget raises teacher pay and makes record investments in public education. This budget increases access to mental health care and strengthens the safety net for our most vulnerable populations. This balanced budget will help Missourians across the state. I’m proud of the targeted investments we’ve secured for Kansas City and our region.”

Pending the governor’s approval, the FY ’24 budget includes, but is not limited to:

·         $2.8 billion to widen I-70 to three lanes from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

·         $300 million to construct a new mental health hospital in Kansas City.

·         $50 million to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

·         $30 million for Port Authority improvements.

·         $28.6 million for the South Loop Link Park Project.

·         $12 million for the historic 18th and Vine District.

·         $3 million for domestic violence victim housing.

·         $1 million for urban farming.

·         $500,000 for the Maddie Rhodes Center.

The roughly $50 billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget was passed by the General Assembly on May 5 and now awaits the governor’s consideration.