North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), incoming Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Buck O’Neil Bridge has received a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant, or BUILD grant.
The Buck O’Neil Bridge project will receive a BUILD grant for $25 million.
“I am thrilled that this project has received a BUILD grant. This is a great program that really represents our renewed focus on infrastructure and there is no doubt that the Buck O’Neil Bridge is in desperate need of attention,” Graves said.
“The Buck O’Neil Bridge project has obviously been a priority of mine from the start and this money will kickstart the much-needed replacement of this aging bridge. Congratulations to all those who worked hard for this grant including MODOT, MARC, and the surrounding communities that have pulled together to make this project possible.”
The current Buck O’Neil Bridge is 62 years old and serves as an important connection with 40,000 vehicles crossing between the northern Kansas City suburbs and the downtown area each day as well as serving as the predominant connection between the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and Kansas City.
In addition to the Buck O’Neil Bridge project, the City of Maryville will receive a $10.4 million BUILD grant for their South Main Corridor Improvement Project.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao informed Graves of the grant awards earlier today.
“The Department is committed to following through on the President’s commitment to rebuild our country’s infrastructure by investing in road, rail, transit, and port projects, to strengthen economic growth, increase competitiveness and improve quality of life,” said Chao.
“The Administration’s continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities.”
Earlier this year, Congress made $1.5 billion available for BUILD Transportation Discretionary grants. Projects for BUILD were evaluated based on merit criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership, and additional non-Federal revenue for future transportation infrastructure investments.
