Kansas City, Mo., is one of seven finalists for a $50 million prize to incorporate self-driving cars, sensors and other technology into its transportation system.  

It’s all part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge.

The other finalists include Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio, Denver; Pittsburgh; Portland, Ore.; and San Francisco. There were originally supposed to be only five finalists, but organizers of the Smart City Challenge received applications (78) than originally expected.

“The level of excitement and energy the Smart City Challenge has created around the country far exceeded our expectations,” Secretary Anthony Foxx said.

About $40 million of the award will come from the federal government. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s Vulcan Inc. has pledged another $10 million to the winner.

Each finalist city has already been given $100,000 to further refine their plans. The winner will be announced in June.

The Transportation Department created the competition because the country’s infrastructure isn’t ready for an expanding population.