Hyperloop Now a Legal Public-Private Partnership Opportunity in Missouri

Missouri lawmakers removed a barrier to the creation of a Hyperloop test facility in St. Louis.

1 minute read

February 25, 2020, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Space X

Olga P Galkina / Shutterstock

"Missouri lawmakers on Tuesday gave initial approval to a bill that would make a Hyperloop test track eligible for state grants," reports Jacob Kirn.

The legislation was necessary to clear the "tube transportation system" as permissible under the state's rules for public-private partnerships. St. Louis is hoping to continue advancing in a competition to "land a 12- to 15-mile test track and research center," according to Kirn. The city has already advance to the second round. Three to five cities are expected to advance to the third round.

Joseph Henry Enterprises LLC, the Economic Development Alliance, Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis Development Corp., and others are spearheading the effort to land the facility in St. Louis," according to an earlier article by Kirn.

Missouri assembled a task force to better compete for Hyperloop opportunities in March 2019.

An article by the Associated Press broke the news about the legislation.

[Editor's note: The archive of Hyperloop coverage on Planetizen is full of skepticism about the viability of the technology.]

Thursday, February 13, 2020 in St. Louis Business Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing