SE Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Maria Cantwell have reintroduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act in an effort to provide federal assistance for local communities gearing up for the upcoming international sports events. The proposed legislation aims to address transportation challenges as host cities in the United States prepare for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The bill seeks to establish a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, to support infrastructure improvements in host cities during these events. The funding would cover a variety of projects, including road building, light rail expansion, bus purchases, bike lane creation, road improvements, and airport terminal enhancements. The proposal also allows the Department of Transportation to offer technical and planning support to cities, states, and tribes within 100 miles of an event venue, as well as facilitate the sharing of public transportation equipment among cities.

“It was a tremendous feat to secure a spot as a host city during the 2026 World Cup, and I have no doubt that Kansas City will be a welcoming community for hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the world,” Moran stated. Cantwell highlighted the urgency, saying, “With less than 500 days until Seattle hosts its first 2026 World Cup game, we need the Department of Transportation to get in the game and support host cities as they work to showcase the best of American innovation and hospitality.”

Kansas City and Seattle are among the 11 U.S. cities selected to host World Cup matches. The others include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The cities expect a substantial increase in international visitors during these events, necessitating significant enhancements to their transportation systems.

John remarked, "We are pleased to see this important transportation assistance legislation introduced in support of Kansas City's World Cup efforts." Similarly, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority expressed gratitude, noting, "On behalf of the KCATA, we are grateful that Senator Jerry Moran is demonstrating his foresight and leadership by introducing bipartisan legislation."

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee also endorsed the bill, emphasizing its importance for the forthcoming decade of sports events in the country. The USOPC representative acknowledged, "This legislation is crucial to ensuring the United States is prepared to host the decade of sport ahead... The essential transportation assistance set forward in this bill will help make these global events a success and demonstrate American excellence on the world stage."

As the events approach, Washington state's transportation system is noted to be undergoing significant pressure. The need for state readiness was underlined in the comment, "From ferries to trains, buses to highways, the World Cup will undoubtedly put Washington state's transportation system to the test."