Contact: Ernie Blazar 202-224-7627 Shana Stribling 202-224-0309
Thursday, March 8, 2001

KANSAS CITY - Senator Kit Bond today announced the award of a $1 million grant to strengthen Kansas City area rural and urban transportation. Senator Bond secured these funds in the FY 2000 Job Access and Reverse Commute Program.

“This money will help people who need help getting around,” said Senator Kit Bond. “Getting to your job is the first step in keeping your job and this money will help.”

The grant provides funding for the second year of a five year phased plan. As part of the Job-Access plan, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) will continue to develop transportation programs for employees in both rural and urban areas. MARC provides reliable transportation to many Missourians who otherwise, would not be able to reach their place of employment or have access to employment centers.

Among the uses for these funds is the purchase of additional vehicles and hiring of new personnel to extend MARC services

The far reaching effects of this expansion will be felt not only in several Missouri Counties -- Jackson, Clay, Cass, Platte and Ray -- but also in Leavenworth and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas.

Senator Kit Bond is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Currently in his third Senate term, Bond served Missouri previously during two terms as Governor.