Here’s where the first phase of that Kansas City bond money will likely be spent

In April, voters in Kansas City approved a big ol’ bonds package — $800 million in all — to fund citywide infrastructure improvements. Your property taxes will go up late next year in order to begin repaying the bonds.

The spending plan for the bond money calls for $40 million per year over the next 20 years. Today, city manager Troy Schulte submitted to Mayor Sly James and the City Council recommendations regarding where the first $40 million should go.

“Since the election, we haven’t stopped working on the plan to spend the first $40 million,” Schulte said in a release. “We want to get the shovel-ready projects rolling, and we have to tackle the backlog of spot sidewalk repairs. I know councilmembers are also anxious to get going, so this gives them a chance to review the list and provide us with the feedback we need to finalize the plan.”

Here are Schulte’s recommendations. The projects span the city. Some expect complementary federal or private funding, and some will depend on future contributions from the pot of bond money. Highlights include:

*$3.4 million for road improvements on Wornall between 85th and 89th Streets

*$3.6 million for streets and sidewalks in Beacon Hill 

*$1.7 million for design and right-of-way acquisition for the Maple Woods Parkway in the Northland 

*$3.6 million for design and right-of-way acquisiton for the Paseo Gateway

*$2.25 million for Marlborough community infrastructure

*$1.1 million for flood control at Swope Park

*$4 million to renovate the Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall

*$1.1 million to make Starlight Theatre more ADA-compliant

*$7 million to start construction on a new animal shelter. 

The City Council will decide whether to approve and/or amend Schulte’s recommendations later this month.