The Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved a resolution and Memorandum of Understanding allowing the agency to pursue the planning and development of a proposed expansion of the MetroLink system that would connect the neighborhoods near the Fairgrounds to Gravois Park/Dutchtown.
The Jefferson Alignment MetroLink Expansion project was previously explored with the city of St. Louis, Mo., as part of the Northside-Southside MetroLink Expansion, which saw the city analyze various transit options along a north-south corridor followed by a more robust Northside-Southside MetroLink Corridor Study.
Bi-State Development will oversee the PMC phase that will include supervision and oversight of the project during preliminary planning. The preliminary planning will allow Bi-State Development to apply for the federal government’s New Starts program, which, if approved, could cover up to 60 percent of the project cost, which is estimated at $850 million.
Approximately $7.4 million in funding for Bi-State Development oversight and management services and outside consultant services will be paid through City MetroLink Capital Trust from the Missouri allocated COVID-19 funds.
A Request for Proposals for the program management consultant has been issued with responses due on April 17. The Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners anticipates a vote to approve a consultant in late May 2023.