The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor aims to implement a transformative strategy that enhances multi-modal mobility, revitalizes historically disadvantaged communities, and reduces carbon emissions in the regional corridor connecting four cities across two states and two counties.

This bi-state reinvestment corridor will benefit these three cities—KCK, KCMO, and Independence, Missouri, each situated in historically disadvantaged areas. The MARC RFQ (Mid-America Regional Council Request for Qualifications) is poised to bring about positive changes in these communities by providing affordable housing, facilitating access to public transit, and creating opportunities for well-paying jobs. Economic prospects in the region should be boosted significantly by these developments.

The concept of multi-modal mobility is particularly interesting. In cities like Independence, where trails are part of the local identity, there is a need to connect many trails with the corridor. The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor should actively prioritize establishing additional bikeways and maintaining existing trails. In the case of Independence, MO, a considerable number of residents aspire to commute to work via biking or public transit. Issues related to access and land use conditions currently hinder these aspirations. Incorporating alternative modes of transportation sustainably is an encouraging development.

Reference:

https://www.marc.org/transportation/plans-and-studies/regional-bikeway-plan

https://www.marc.org/document/rfq-bi-state-sustainable-reinvestment-corridor