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The Mid-America Regional Council of Kansas City (MARC) recently awarded a contract to HNTB Corp. to conduct a year-long study to determine the feasibility of operating a commuter-rail line over Kansas City Southern tracks between downtown Kansas City and Odessa, Mo.

Scheduled to begin in March, the study will be used to evaluate track, forecast ridership, analyze land use, and determine cost feasibility, public involvement and environmental review, according to a prepared statement.

MARC officials believe the commuter-rail line — projected to cost up to $100 million — would serve as an economic catalyst in communities along the corridor and provide congestion relief on I-70.