(By RYAN SKAITH)
Gov. Mike Kehoe has detailed a comprehensive plan to surge law enforcement and emergency resources to Kansas City this summer, aiming to secure the region as it prepares to host several FIFA World Cup matches.
In his latest budget recommendation, Kehoe requested an additional $63.2 million to support the international event. The majority of these funds are expected to come from federal sources, pushing the state’s total investment in the World Cup past the $150 million mark.
The proposal includes a significant deployment of the Missouri National Guard to assist local agencies. Funding is also earmarked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency to provide a mix of security, traffic control, and medical services at matches and official fan events.
Kehoe framed the security surge as a necessity for the state’s reputation, noting that the global spotlight offers a unique opportunity to showcase Missouri. He emphasized during his budget presentation that the state must ensure the safety of visitors and residents to successfully present Kansas City to the world.
The heightened security measures come as Kansas City prepares for an influx of hundreds of thousands of international visitors. State officials say the coordinated effort between the National Guard and state agencies is designed to ensure that both the sporting events and the surrounding festivities remain secure.
