KC SmartPort Strategic Plan

Economic Development

Strategy: Become more proactive in the identification of projects and opportunities.

• Asian freight: West Coast to East Coast – identify the freight, the shipper and target it for de-trained freight in KC market.
• Asian freight: To Mexican ports up to KC on rail – promote it and develop it.
• U.S. importers: Identify top 50 and plot their current facilities on a US map. Look for importers who lack Midwest distribution facilities and target them.
• Rail freight consolidation: Follow up on Port of Tacoma concept of empty container consolidation facility.
• Work with KCS, BNSF and UP on new intermodal facilities and development opportunities around these facilities.
• Exports to Mexico: Work with custom brokers on a consolidation facility.
• KCADC / Site Selection Consultants / ED Alliance: continue building relationships.
• U.S. 71 / I-49: Lobby for funding to build the road to improve economic development opportunities along this corridor.

Intelligent Transportation Systems

Strategy: Coordinate the current funding and target new funding that complements strategic plan.

• Manage the FHWA, $500,000 project with three deliverables: 1) snapshot on competitive position for freight based economic development projects. 2) ITS technology for long haul rail to regional trucking and distribution. 3) ITS implementation plan and funding avenues.
• Implement the FHWA, $200,000 and $750,000 projects on two possible test pilots: 1) Mexican customs corridor. 2) West Coast freight movements.
• Lobby for increased funding in the highway reauthorization bill. Continue to lobby for the $5 million earmark through Senator Bond and increased funding for I-49 construction.
• Partner with private sector companies on proposals for specific project funding.

International Business Services

Strategy: Move SmartPort to position of leadership within the international community with specific emphasis on supply chain topics.

• Coordinate the Mexican Customs Inspection facility project.
• Continue to lobby for and implement Department of Commerce, $500,000 earmark directed at trade and transportation opportunities with Latin America.
• Facilitate training and related events on supply chain topics.
• Leadership through the Kansas City International Trade Club and other groups to create a metro wide strategy for international business development.
• Assist the Topeka Chamber of Commerce and City of Topeka on a new program to develop international business for Topeka companies.

Marketing

Strategy: Continue to position the Kansas City area as the logistics center for North America and build on SmartPort’s recognition within the local market.

• Design new web site, SmartPort graphics and logo.
• Continue national advertising and editorial coverage in logistics and economic development publications as well as international publications.
• Develop stronger local public relations campaign.
• Plan and host a SmartPort annual event.

Fund Raising

Strategy: Continue positive growth in private and public sector investment in SmartPort.

• Target investments from shippers, trucking companies, rail companies, financial companies and companies along the U.S. 71 corridor.
• Lobby for increased Federal funding.
• Host SmartPort annual meeting.
• Develop stronger web based funding strategies.