Kansas City is investing $5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to restore and enhance the Blue River corridor. The effort is led by the Office of Environmental Quality, Parks & Recreation, and Water, in partnership with Bridging the Gap, Heartland Conservation Alliance, Mid-America Regional Council, Deep Roots KC, and Jackson County Parks + Recreation.

The initiative will:

• Restore 200 acres of riverbank habitat
• Plant 1,700 trees
• Enhance green infrastructure along the river
• Engage local communities in site stewardship

To mark the beginning of this ambitious effort, the City is kicking off the groundbreaking by planting a Swamp White Oak tree.

These efforts aim to reduce flooding and pollution from upstream areas in the Kansas City metro. The green infrastructure and riparian restoration will enhance channel stability, lower peak water velocities during storm events, and improve water quality by addressing nonpoint source pollution.