MoDOT Seeking Funding to Study Expanding Amtrak, Possibly to St. Joseph

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Transportation has submitted applications to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID program, seeking $500,000 in funding to study future Amtrak passenger rail lines.

MoDOT has identified four corridors and three potential lines in which Amtrak routes could be added in the state, including improvement of the existing route from Kansas City to St. Louis by adding another daily round trip and new tops. Additional routes running from Kansas City to St. Joseph, and from Kansas City to Springfield and Branson have been discussed.

Missouri has also expressed interest in a partnership with Iowa and Minnesota for a Minneapolis-Des Moines-Kansas City corridor. MoDOT expects an answer on the request for funding by year end.