Davids Announces Major Federal Grant to Create Construction Jobs, Reduce Carbon Emissions in Kansas
Federal grant created by a Davids-supported law ensures healthier planet
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) $31,933,577 to support continued growth in clean manufacturing. The grant — created by the Inflation Reduction Act, which Davids helped pass into law — will boost the competitiveness of clean U.S. industries and create good manufacturing jobs while reducing pollution from the production of concrete, steel, and other construction materials.
“This grant is about creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy, and ensuring a healthier future for generations of Kansans,” said Davids. “By advancing cleaner manufacturing and modernizing construction practices, we’re not only improving our transportation networks but also opening new doors for workers and businesses across our state.”
Under DOT’s Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) program, KDOT will launch a program to prioritize transportation projects using construction materials with substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to the industry averages. The program will focus on materials like concrete, cement, and asphalt, with plans to explore glass and steel. KDOT will develop standards, monitor performance, and ensure these materials meet federal requirements.
“With this funding, KDOT can establish processes that take important steps toward modernizing construction practices for federally aided projects,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary, KDOT. “By facilitating new approaches and improving project delivery, we will strengthen our transportation networks, benefitting communities across Kansas.”
“We are thankful for this federal grant that’s a KDOT first under the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Greg Schieber, Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer, KDOT. “Securing this funding is an opportunity to streamline the adoption of innovative materials and it will have a lasting impact on our state.”
The Inflation Reduction Act is already at work in Kansas. Along with lowering Kansans’ utility bills, Davids previously announced that Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country thanks to the law. She also highlighted its impact on reducing home energy costs for families, making public buildings more energy efficient, and lowering gas prices in Kansas. More information on the law can be found here.
Background:
The LCTM program provides states, tribes, metropolitan planning organizations, and other agencies with reimbursement and incentive funding to purchase American-made low carbon construction materials and products, including asphalt, glass, steel, and concrete for use in transportation projects. Building transportation-related infrastructure with cleaner construction materials boosts economic development and tackles climate change.