The Missouri Hyperloop Coalition is attempting to attract Hyperloop One to the state to build a hyperloop between St. Louis and Kansas City, with a stop in Columbia. The trip would normally take nearly four hours by car, but would take only 25 minutes by hyperloop, allowing people to live on one end of the state and work or study on the other. According to Nick Lavars at New Atlas, Missouri is making a very attractive case to Hyperloop One. He writes:
“It is clear from our conversations with Hyperloop One that they were impressed with our initial proposal,” says Andrew Smith, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the St. Louis Regional Chamber. “Our proposed route connects two major metropolitan areas in the same state along with a major research university, and we have the most favorable regulatory and cost environment of any proposed build site. Hyperloop One is encouraging us to take the next step with an engineering feasibility study.”
That feasibility study is expected to cost between US$1 and $1.5 million and the coalition believes that the funding will come from the business community in Missouri. It says the proposed route would connect five million residents to research facilities and businesses, and give the state a new advantage when it comes to luring new businesses and talent.
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