Davids secures federal investment for area projects

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids announced earlier this month the federal government will grant $16.2 million for local projects in the 3rd District. Davids said the projects included help purchase new law enforcement training vehicles, modernize a bridge that connects Kansas and Missouri and improve water access during extreme weather. The projects were passed March 6 as part of a broader bipartisan government funding bill. 

“My job is to advocate for the 3rd District in Washington and make sure the priorities of folks in our community are being addressed,” Davids said. “Our team worked in tandem with local officials and conducted detailed reviews of each proposal to ensure they met strong standards with a high return on investment. I’ve long fought for responsible budget policies that protect taxpayers, and these investments maintain that commitment to fiscal responsibility while making a difference for Kansas.” 

One project award was $959,752 for the installation of 2,000 feet of new sewage pipe in the City of Edgerton. The project stalled due to high cost hurdles and the intersection of a water way, rail line and high pressure gas pipeline. The project will pave the way for population growth and continued success at Logistics Park Kansas City, which already generates about 3.4 percent of the entire state’s economic output. 

Edgerton Mayor Don Roberts said adding new homes has been one of the city’s top priorities for years. 

“We’re so grateful to Rep. Davids and her staff for helping us secure critical funding needed to offset the cost of utility infrastructure making this project a success,” he said. “Not only will Edgerton see growth immediately, but this funding allows us to open up even more areas for future development.” 

The City of Gardner was awarded $850,000 to construct new underground water pipes that move wastewater to the water treatment facility. Gardner has the highest projected growth rate in Johnson County through 2030 and this project will ensure the City’s water infrastructure can keep up with projected population growth. 

Gardner Mayor Todd Winters said the city’s Southeast Growth Area Interceptor Project is critical to the city’s development on the south side of I-35. 

“The fiscal year 2024 Community Project Funding Appropriation of $850,000 allows us to continue to be proactive in the development of our wastewater infrastructure to facilitate the significant development interest and potential in that area,” he said. “Rep. Sharice Davids has been a great advocate for the City of Gardner’s interests and this finding is the direct result of her advocacy and support.” 

Davids said since coming to Congress, it’s been her mission to ensure the federal government actually works as it’s intended and makes life easier for Kansans. “While it took longer than I’d have hoped, Republicans and Democrats have united behind legislation that keeps our government open, lowers costs for hardworking Kansans, creates good paying jobs, protects women’s rights, honors our commitments to veterans and confronts the climate crisis,” she said. “I urge Congressional leadership to continue negotiating in a bipartisan manner on the additional funding bills needed to avert a costly shutdown.”