Appropriations Requests

As your representative, I have the privilege of making requests of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations on your behalf each year. This is the committee that puts together the the bills that fund federal government agencies. It is important to me to submit fiscally responsible requests that make a difference for Kansas and represent the priorities of Kansas Third District.
In general, I can submit two different kinds of requests to the House Appropriations Committee. The first are annual programmatic appropriations requests or language requests, which may support specific federal agencies and programs. The other are Community Project Funding requests, which may support local projects or activities that directly benefit the Kansas Third District. If you'd like my office to make one of these requests on your behalf, please fill out one of the appropriate forms below. At the end of this page you can also review a complete list of my past my appropriations and Community Project Funding requests, which I have made public in the interest of transparency.
FY 2027 Community Project Funding Requests
Ottawa Police Regional De-escalation Technology
- Description, purpose, and justification: As the primary municipal law enforcement agency serving the City of Ottawa and providing mutual aid support throughout Franklin County and surrounding jurisdictions, improvements to this facility strengthen regional crisis-response capacity and standardized de-escalation practices across multiple agencies within the Third Congressional District. The Ottawa training facility supports law enforcement personnel from multiple surrounding jurisdictions annually for qualification and advanced training. By integrating next-generation less-lethal devices with immersive de-escalation simulation systems, this project strengthens officer preparedness before critical incidents occur. The public benefit includes improved crisis response capability, reduced risk of escalation, enhanced accountability through measurable performance tracking, reduced injury risk for both officers and community members, and strengthened public trust. The facility also serves regional agencies, expanding public benefit beyond a single jurisdiction.
- Amount requested: $543,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Ottawa Police Regional De-escalation Technology
Kansas City, Kansas Riverfront Comprehensive Plan and Phase 1 Implementation
- Description, purpose, and justification: The Kansas riverfront has long been underutilized in the greater Kansas City metropolitan region and these assets have the potential to create a destination area for recreation, economic development, residential, and regional connectivity. This area is also home to the most frequent automotive and bike/ped river crossings between Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO, including the newly-opened Rock Island Bridge which is a part of the High Line Network -- a group of infrastructure reuse projects. In order for this reclaimed industrial area to flourish, and to provide the foundation for sustainable economic growth, it's necessary to provide public services to support the existing private investment. Phase 1 of this project will include the construction of cycling trails on the east and west banks of the river on either side of the Kansas Avenue Bridge, installation of local bikeshare stations and benches, the creation of brand new green space, and the acquisition and installation of river docks providing access to kayaks and rentals, as well as other amenities. This phase will also ensure that this area is ADA compliant. The funds will be spent on both sides of the Kansas River along the Argentine, Armourdale, and Central Industrial District Levee units. This project will be performed in conjunction with economic development initiatives taking place on the east bank of the Kansas River, spearheaded by Kansas City, MO. Development of the riverfront will bring properties onto the tax rolls and will create jobs that generate income taxes.
- Amount requested: $1,750,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Kansas City, Kansas Riverfront Comprehensive Plan and Phase 1 Implementation
University of Kansas Medical Center MRI
- Description, purpose, and justification: The proposed project requests funding to acquire a uMR Jupiter 5 5.0 Tesla MRI system, an ultra–high-field imaging platform that will serve as both a research engine and a clinical imaging resource. This system provides substantially higher signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution compared with standard 1.5 T and 3 T clinical MRI scanners, enabling unprecedented detail in structural, functional, and quantitative imaging. Data and evidence demonstrate both the research and public health value of ultra-high field MRI systems. Peer-reviewed studies show that 5 T MRI yields significantly improved image quality and diagnostic information compared with lower-field systems, supporting earlier and more accurate characterization of pathology in areas such as brain microstructure, small tumor delineation, and joint imaging. Access to such advanced imaging infrastructure correlates with increased success in securing major research funding. This project will deliver clear public benefit by expanding Kansas’ capacity for cutting-edge medical research and enhancing clinical diagnostic precision, leading to earlier disease detection, improved patient outcomes and increased federal research funding.
- Amount requested: $5,000,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: University of Kansas Medical Center MRI
Johnson County Ambulance Fleet Stabilization
- Description, purpose, and justification: Johnson County’s Department of Emergency Services (MED-ACT Division), in partnership with Fleet Services, is seeking federal support to stabilize and modernize its ambulance fleet to ensure uninterrupted emergency medical response for our growing community. Due to nationwide ambulance manufacturing backlogs and supply chain disruptions stemming from 2020–2021, current lead times exceed 36 months and are projected to persist into the next decade. Without immediate investment, the county risks falling further behind standard replacement cycles, increasing maintenance costs, reducing reliability, and potentially impacting emergency response times. Federal funding of $2,000,000 would support the 2027 ambulance fleet replacement cycle and allow the county to secure production slots and pricing now—avoiding further delays and generating an estimated 10 percent cost savings. This investment directly benefits the public by maintaining reliable 24/7 emergency medical response, protecting patient safety, reducing downtime of critical life-saving equipment, and supporting a resilient EMS system capable of meeting increased service demand. Federal partnership will help safeguard emergency response capacity for residents, businesses, and visitors while promoting fiscal stewardship through proactive procurement.
- Amount requested: $2,000,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Johnson County Ambulance Fleet Stabilization
Anderson County Sheriff Transparency Initiative
- Description, purpose, and justification: The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting federal funding to support the full implementation of a body-worn camera system. The total project cost includes body-worn cameras for deputies, technical integration with the department’s digital evidence server, secure cloud-based storage for recorded footage, and the evidence management software and administrative tools required to manage and store recordings. Federal funding would fully support the implementation of this comprehensive body-camera and digital evidence management system.
- Amount requested: $315,470.84
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Anderson County Sheriff Transparency Initiative
Overland Park Merriam Drive Modernization, Antioch to County Line
- Description, purpose, and justification: The Merriam Connected Corridor Plan is a multi-jurisdictional plan designed to improve transportation connectivity, safety, and land use along a four-mile stretch of Merriam Drive (in Johnson County) and Merriam Lane (in Wyandotte County). The corridor connects four municipalities in the Kansas City metropolitan area: Merriam, Overland Park, Mission, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. This project specifically focuses on the area within Overland Park, KS. The project aims to transform the currently industrial corridor into a connected, safe, and vibrant multi-modal environment. It will take existing segments of the roadway from four lanes to three or two lanes to make room for buffered bicycle lanes and sidewalks. It will construct sidewalks and buffered bike lanes to increase pedestrian and cyclist connectivity by filling significant gaps. By designing a corridor that safely accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and future transit routes, the plan supports augmented automobile travel, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Amount requested: $1,550,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Overland Park Merriam Drive Modernization, Antioch to County Line
City of Garnett Electric Infrastructure Improvements
- Description, purpose, and justification: The City of Garnett seeks to expand municipal electric grid capacity. The first part of this expansion project is slated to start this summer, with expansion to the south of the city for a local business that is expanding their operation and needing more power. The other three (3) expansions have yet to be scheduled. This request would provide new electrical equipment, including poles, ACSR (wire conduit), transformers, insulators, and conductors. Keeping the lights on for our community, as well as building for future growth is a benefit for the community. More reliable infrastructure benefits all citizens by helping prevent overloaded circuits, as well as ensures the electrical system can safely handle the growing power demands without causing power outages. This project could create jobs as the updated electric infrastructure could entice more economic development, as well as developers to build more housing, which would create more utility revenue, sales tax revenue, and property tax revenue for the community.
- Amount requested: $1,036,122
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: City of Garnett Electric Infrastructure Improvements
University of Kansas Hospital Authority Solar Energy Expansion
- Description, purpose, and justification: The proposed project includes the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the health system’s Center for Advanced Heart Care, Cambridge Tower A and Westwood-East buildings. Expanding onsite solar energy production represents part of the health system’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability across our campuses. Last year, the health system’s energy-saving initiatives garnered both the Environmental Stewardship Award from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Better Practices award from the U.S. Department of Energy. The health system first installed solar panels on the main campus in Kansas City, Kansas in 2023, as part of a comprehensive strategy to develop a diverse energy portfolio. The proposed project would add 1,900 solar panels across three sites that would generate roughly 2,100 megawatt-hours per year, which is equivalent to powering 240 homes. The new panels would offset up to 11.7 percent of the facilities’ energy use during summertime peak demand, bringing the total offset from solar energy to 14.6 percent when coupled with the existing panels. Through the onsite generation of more than 2,100 megawatt-hours, the health system will remove significant demand on the local power grid, enabling more capacity for the surrounding area. Because the health system is one of the three largest users of electricity connected to the local utility, the proposed savings in energy will have a disproportionately positive impact on the regional energy grid.
- Amount requested: $3,230,960
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: University of Kansas Hospital Authority Solar Energy Expansion
Franklin County Sheriff Camera and Mobile Computer Upgrade
- Description, purpose, and justification: These funds will be used to upgrade in-car cameras and body cameras for all deputies. This would also include upgrading the video recording capabilities in interview rooms. The department currently uses a mix of brands and systems of technology, which are not all compatible with each other. The sheriff’s office does not currently have properly functioning cameras in all patrol cars or interview rooms. This project will correct these deficiencies. The office currently saves all data on a server, but the current market is forcing a move to a cloud-based system with commensurate cost. This project will fund the equipment purchase and cover the first 5 years of cloud-based storage. This project will also allow the office to acquire and maintain the same type of mobile computers in all patrol vehicles. Current computer systems in patrol units are not compatible with the latest Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Communications Commission system requirements, which means deputies are not able to fully utilize the technological capabilities available. The total cost of this project is prohibitive to fund through the county’s normal budget process.
- Amount requested: $583,940
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Franklin County Sheriff Camera and Mobile Computer Upgrade
Olathe Post Office Relocation and Redevelopment
- Description, purpose, and justification: Community Project Funding will be used for eligible predevelopment, site acquisition, relocation, and infrastructure-related costs necessary to facilitate the post office relocation and prepare the site for redevelopment. The City of Olathe will provide matching funds and leverage private investment to complete the housing and mixed-use components. Total project cost: $10.3 million - the city has committed $5.3 million to the project and has received a $1 million BASE grant for the project from the State of Kansas. The most recent price the city received from the USPS to relocate their existing facility and build a new one is $10.3 million. The city needs $4 million dollars to close their funding gap and move this project forward. This project is supported by adopted City plans and policies focused on downtown revitalization, housing diversification, and economic development. By catalyzing new housing opportunities and increasing downtown density, the project will generate long-term economic returns, expand the local tax base, and enhance access to housing for the workforce that supports the region’s economy.
- Amount requested: $4,000,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Olathe Post Office Relocation and Redevelopment
Edgerton 8th Street Lift Station Modernization and Resiliency Project
- Description, purpose, and justification: This project replaces a 25-year-old, 6-foot diameter, 15-foot deep, two-pump residential lift station serving 12 homes. The existing system lacks SCADA connectivity and relies on a single exterior red alarm light to signal failure. Staff must manually inspect the station to detect malfunctions. This outdated configuration presents significant public health, environmental, and equity risks. Failure could result in: Basement sewer backups, Sanitary sewer overflows, Groundwater contamination and Regulatory enforcement action. Modernization will improve system resilience through redundant pumps, remote monitoring, backup power, and structural rehabilitation. This investment protects vulnerable households from wastewater exposure, strengthens environmental compliance, and modernizes critical infrastructure in an aging system. This is preventative infrastructure investment. Emergency failure would require costly remediation, liability response, and potential environmental cleanup. Planned modernization reduces lifecycle cost, improves energy efficiency, lowers long-term operations and maintenance, and enhances resilience against power outages and equipment failure. Proactive replacement is fiscally responsible risk mitigation.
- Amount requested: $1,120,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Edgerton 8th Street Lift Station Modernization and Resiliency Project
Olathe Police Department Real-Time Information Center
- Description, purpose, and justification: The Olathe Police Department is seeking funds to implement a Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) – a state-of-the-art command hub that unites multiple real-time data streams, including live video, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Drones as First Responders (DFR), and License Plate Readers (LPR) into a single, actionable platform. The RTIC would allow the department to leverage real-time data, predictive analysis, and cross-agency collaboration that transforms response operations from reactive to proactive. It represents the future of public safety – powered by technology, anchored in community, protecting employees, customers, residents, and first responders. Funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge software and technology to provide a 360-degree operational view of the city along with a robust regional public safety environment, including secure video aggregation, database integration, real-time data images, automated drone deployment, computer-aided dispatch, and predictive analysis.
- Amount requested: $1,274,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Olathe Police Department Real-Time Information Center
Anderson County Safe Community Connections Initiative
- Description, purpose, and justification: The requested funding will support the construction and replacement of ADA-compliant sidewalks and associated pedestrian safety improvements in Garnett, Colony, and Westphalia as part of the Anderson County Safe Community Connections Initiative. Funds will be used for the following project components: Sidewalk Construction and Replacement - Removal of deteriorated sidewalk segments and construction of new concrete sidewalks to create safe pedestrian routes between schools, residential areas, and community destinations; Site Preparation and Grading - Preparation of the sidewalk corridor, including minor grading, base preparation, and adjustments necessary to meet state construction standards and ensure long-term durability; Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Installation of marked pedestrian crossings where sidewalks intersect roadways. In Colony, this includes the installation of a solar-powered flashing pedestrian beacon at a crossing along a busy agricultural route to improve visibility and safety; Railroad Crossing Coordination and Improvements - Construction of a sidewalk segment in Westphalia that safely accommodates a railroad crossing and adjacent grade changes while meeting applicable safety and design requirements; Engineering, Design, and Project Management - Preparation of final construction plans, coordination with relevant agencies where necessary, and project oversight to ensure compliance with applicable construction and accessibility standards. These investments will result in safe, durable pedestrian infrastructure that improves connectivity between schools, residential areas, and community destinations across Anderson County.
- Amount requested: $750,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Anderson County Safe Community Connections Initiative
Paola Wastewater Treatment Plant PLC Panels Upgrades
- Description, purpose, and justification: In 2007, the City of Paola completed the construction of a 1.4 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant. At the time this plant was a state-of-the-art facility designed to grow with the city. The wastewater treatment plant is about to reach 20 years in age, and this system is outdated with replacement parts becoming difficult or impossible to source. Continuous repairs on the existing system are getting more and more prohibitive. These upgrades include hardline networking and mechanical upgrades. The PLC panels are the automatic controllers that run the entire treatment process of the plant. The upgrades to the Paola wastewater treatment plant promote public health of the citizen by treating the waste before it is released back into the environment. It supports economic growth to be able to handle the capacity of a growing city, including possible commercial developments.
- Amount requested: $160,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Paola Wastewater Treatment Plant PLC Panels Upgrades
Johnson County Pflumm Bridge Replacement
- Description, purpose, and justification: Johnson County and the City of Overland Park will be participating in a project to construct improvements to Pflumm Road Bridge on Pflumm Road 0.8 miles south of 159th Street. Currently, Johnson County has jurisdiction of 50 percent of this project and Overland Park has the remaining 50 percent. Heritage Park is in the unincorporated portion of Johnson County, not likely to annex and Overland Park will not be able to develop and collect excise tax on the park. This area is developing, traffic is increasing and Heritage Park is a significant traffic generator. This project will replace the Pflumm Road bridge (R.00-6.2) which is 0.8 miles south of 159th Street. The design for this project was begun in 2025. Right-of-way and utility relocations for this project are anticipated in 2026 with construction anticipated in 2027. General Funds, CARS Reserves, Road Bridge and Culvert CIP account and the Federal Fund Exchange account are potential sources of funding for this project but it is anticipated that additional monetary resources will be needed from another source. Consultants and contractors will be utilized for this project thus no additional FTE’s will be needed. To date, $1.3 million of funding has already been allocated to this project. The final $2.5 million requested in the 2027 budget will provide the remaining construction funding needed to meet county obligations to Overland Park.
- Amount requested: $2,500,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Johnson County Pflumm Bridge Replacement
Overland Park Police Department Technology Upgrade
- Description, purpose, and justification: The Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) of Emergency Communications 911 Center is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching officers to those emergencies. The work environment comprises 20 consoles that house computers, monitors, and radio programing. The current consoles were installed in 2019. These consoles are heavily used and will be in need of replacement by 2029. The dispatch consoles are an indispensable link between the department’s field personnel, dispatchers, allied agencies, and the public. Replacing the existing equipment is necessary to continue to support mission-critical telephone and radio dispatch communications. The OPPD Department of Emergency Communication 911 Center receives approximately 75,000 911 calls and 150,000 non-emergency calls annually. This project will not only update the dispatch center for Overland Park, but it will also serve as the primary backup for Johnson County. This is the primary public service answering dispatch center for the second-largest city in the state.
- Amount requested: $1,350,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: Overland Park Police Department Technology Upgrade
City of Ottawa Advanced Metering Infrastructure Water Meter Replacement
- Description, purpose, and justification: The City of Ottawa seeks to complete the replacement of all remaining outdated residential and commercial water meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters. This project modernizes the city’s water utility system by transitioning from manual meter reading to a real-time, data-driven platform. AMI technology enables continuous monitoring of water usage, allowing both the utility and customers to quickly identify abnormal consumption patterns, including leaks. Industry data from comparable AMI deployments indicate water loss reductions of up to 15 percent and operational savings of 10–20 percent, driven by reduced manual readings, improved leak detection, and faster response times. This project directly supports water conservation by reducing non-revenue water loss, enabling real-time leak detection, and improving system efficiency. AMI implementation is expected to reduce overall water loss by up to 15 percent, preserving potable water resources and strengthening long-term drought resilience. By providing customers with timely usage data, the city empowers residents to proactively conserve water, lower costs, and reduce waste. Public benefits of this project include: Potential for reduced resident water costs; Improved accuracy and transparency in water billing; Early detection of leaks, reducing water loss and property damage; Faster identification and resolution of service issues; Reduced need for vehicle-based meter reading, improving efficiency This project strengthens Ottawa’s ability to manage its water resources responsibly while improving service reliability for residents and businesses.
- Amount requested: $1,885,478.21
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: City of Ottawa Advanced Metering Infrastructure Water Meter Replacement
University of Kansas Hospital Authority Improvements to Olathe Boulevard
- Description, purpose, and justification: The proposed project will improve both roadway safety and access to critical healthcare services through improvements to Olathe Blvd., between Rainbow Blvd. to the west and Cambridge St. to the east. The proposed project will include a dedicated through lane and a right-hand turn lane along the eastbound Olathe Blvd. The turn lane will improve access to the health system’s P1/P2 parking garages and reduce delays caused by increased traffic anticipated over the next decade. The project’s final scope and design are subject to approval by the health system, KUMC, the UG/KCK, the KDOT and input from community members. In 2025, the health system individually commissioned WSP USA Inc., located in Kansas City, Mo., to develop a report on traffic patterns within a segment of the Rainbow Blvd. corridor, taking into account newly announced projects on the health system campus. A 45 percent increase in throughput by 2035 is considered to be the maximum increase in traffic for this corridor. The project will lead to safer, calmer traffic operations and reduced delays on Olathe Boulevard for local residents, health system employees, medical students, healthcare patients and other visitors. Last year, the health system’s facilities at 4000 Cambridge Street, Kansas City, Kan. provided care to nearly 280,000 unique patients, most of whom traveled along Olathe Blvd. to get to their appointment. The University of Kansas is a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation for the state of Kansas. A 2025 study quantifies KU’s annual statewide impact at $7.8 billion. This activity supports nearly 88,000 jobs — or 1 in every 23 jobs in Kansas. Additionally, the study finds that for every $1 invested in KU, taxpayers gain $2.90 in added tax revenue and public sector savings, illustrating the magnitude of the return on investment for Kansas residents and lawmakers. The study encompasses the activities of all KU campuses and The University of Kansas Health System.
- Amount requested: $3,000,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: University of Kansas Hospital Authority Improvements to Olathe Boulevard
City of Ottawa Marais des Cygne River Crossing Structure Replacement for Circuits #8 and #10
- Description, purpose, and justification: This project will replace aging electrical river crossing structures supporting Circuits #8 and #10 across the Marais des Cygne River. These circuits serve a significant portion of Ottawa’s residential load north of the river and provide primary electric service to the city’s North Industrial Park employment corridor, which is home to major employers other manufacturing and logistics operations that rely on uninterrupted power to maintain production, payroll, and supply-chain commitments. The north side of Ottawa is located within a federally designated disadvantaged Census tract, where infrastructure disruptions have disproportionate impacts on workers, households, and small businesses. During a severe storm event in 2023, the existing river crossing structures failed, resulting in prolonged power outages. Following this event, an engineering assessment identified the river crossings as a critical point of system vulnerability requiring replacement to restore long-term reliability and resilience. Engineering and geotechnical services are already underway using local utility funds, positioning the project for timely construction upon award. The project will replace the existing structures with modern, resilient monopole crossings designed to withstand flooding, high winds, and extreme weather events. Once completed, the project will provide clear and measurable public benefits by: Improving electric reliability and system resilience for customers north of the river; Protecting major employers and their workforce from prolonged outages that interrupt production and wages; Supporting economic stability within a disadvantaged Census tract; Strengthening emergency preparedness, ensuring reliable power delivery to circuits connected to the City’s backup generation system This targeted infrastructure investment addresses a documented system weakness and ensures reliable electric service to a key employment and residential area of the community.
- Amount requested: $500,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: City of Ottawa Marais des Cygne River Crossing Structure Replacement for Circuits #8 and #10
City of Shawnee I-435 and Johnson Drive Signalization and Safety Improvements
- Description, purpose, and justification: The funds would be spent on construction to install two traffic signals at the I-435 and Johnson Drive ramp terminals. These signals are intended to improve safety and reduce congestion at the interchange. The intersection of Johnson Drive and the I-435 ramps operates without signal control, contributing to traffic congestion, excessive queuing and a higher potential for conflicts and crashes during peak periods. City staff, along with elected officials and residents, have identified this location as a priority for safety improvements. Installation of traffic signals will reduce delay for motorists, and enhance safety along Johnson Drive. This project aligns with transportation safety and congestion mitigation goals.
- Amount requested: $840,000
- Federal nexus and financial disclosure letter: City of Shawnee I-435 and Johnson Drive Signalization and Safety Improvements
Disclosure of past appropriations and Community Project Funding requests by Fiscal Year:
- FY 2020 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2021 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2022 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2022 Community Project Funding Requests.
- FY 2022 Member Designated Projects requested of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
- FY 2023 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2023 Community Project Funding Requests.
- FY 2024 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2024 Community Project Funding Requests.
- FY 2025 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2025 Community Project Funding Requests.
- FY 2026 Appropriations Requests.
- FY 2026 Community Project Funding Requests.