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Clay Says $20 Million Transportation Grant is a Significant Step Forward for Arch Grounds Redevelopment Plan, Will Help Fund Downtown Connector

12/13/11

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday 12.13.11

Clay Says $20 Million Transportation Grant is a Significant Step

Forward for Arch Grounds Redevelopment Plan

Will Help Fund Downtown Connector

-ST. LOUIS- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, whose district includes the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (the Gateway Arch), praised the announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation of a $20 million TIGER grant to the Missouri Department of Transportation on behalf of CityArchRiver 2015, a nonprofit group that is spearheading the public/private community effort to redevelop the Arch grounds in downtown St. Louis.

“I want to thank President Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for supporting this vital public/private partnership.” said Mr. Clay.  “This grant is one piece in the puzzle that will get us closer to funding the overall redevelopment plan, and along with private support, it will allow us to move forward on the long-anticipated pedestrian bridge which will reconnect the Arch grounds to downtown St. Louis.  I was pleased to support this grant, and I will continue working closely with CityArchRiver 2015, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and the National Park Service as we strive together to reinvigorate one of America’s greatest destinations, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.”

The $20 million competitive grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER III program.  It will be used to support infrastructure improvements along I-70, which runs along the western edge of the Arch grounds in downtown St. Louis.  It will improve public safety and make access easier for the millions of visitors who experience the Arch and historic Old Court House each year.

CityArchRiver 2015 is a public/private partnership in support of an overall $578 million redevelopment project for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The goal of the effort is to complete major elements of the plan by 2015, the 50th anniversary of the Arch.

 

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