Alongside Local Leaders, Davids Submits 15 Local Projects for FY26 Federal Funding
Projects would improve roads, public safety, water access, and education in Kansas Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced 15 community projects across Kansas’ Third District that she has submitted to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. These locally driven requests — totaling $42,207,012.13 — focus on rebuilding aging roads and bridges, strengthening public safety and law enforcement response, expanding water access during extreme weather, and addressing other urgent community needs.
“My job is to be a voice for Kansas’ Third District in Washington and make sure our community’s priorities are front and center,” said Davids. “My team worked closely with local leaders and thoroughly reviewed each proposal to ensure they’re responsible, effective, and deliver real value. I’ve always fought for smart, fiscally responsible investments — and these projects reflect that commitment while making a meaningful difference for Kansans.”
Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects were submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.
Read more about how each project will improve lives in our community here or below:
Road and Bridges
- Kansas Avenue Bridge Project ($3,500,000): To reconnect the Kansas City region and connect the urban freight corridor crucial to the many local industrial and manufacturing businesses in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
- Spring Hill Intersection Improvements ($2,391,641): To construct a safety upgrade and modernization for the intersection of of US Highway 169 and 191st street to provide safety improvements for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Public Safety
- Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) Body Camera Replacement ($1,500,000): To purchase body cameras for all OPPD officers and improve video systems to increase safety, transparency, and trust.
- New Century AirCenter Air Traffic Control Tower ($6,000,000): To build a new, safer air traffic control tower, replacing operationally obsolete tower, making flights safer and more efficient.
- Overland Park Street Signal Replacement ($1,300,000): To replace the traffic signal and sidewalk at Metcalf Avenue and I-435 westbound, Metcalf Avenue and I-435 eastbound, and Metcalf Avenue and 110th street.
Water
- Bonner Springs Sewage ($6,318,755): To build new sewer lines to prevent overflows, as the current system is already at capacity, and better serve the 3,500 residents and local businesses.
- Garnett Flood Prevention ($1,000,000): To fix a damaged spillway in Garnett to prevent flooding, protect homes, and keep the local lake — a part of the town’s economy — open and safe for visitors.
- Olathe Sewer Rehabilitation ($1,105,582): To replace old, worn-out sewer pipes and manholes in Olathe to prevent leaks and protect the health and safety of Kansas families.
- Princeton Stormwater Improvements ($634,786.13): To improve Princeton’s storm drainage system to prevent flooding and support future business and job growth in the area.
Education
- K-State Olathe Manufacturing Equipment ($5,004,250): To buy lab equipment so students can train for high-tech, good-paying supply chain research and advanced manufacturing jobs as domestic manufacturing grows in Kansas City.
Energy and Utilities
- BPU Electric Grid System Improvements ($6,000,000): To construct three additional feeders from the new Rosedale Substation to the University of Kansas Medical Center campus.
Public Spaces
- Johnson County Building Security Upgrades ($917,000): To modernize county building security panel access systems. By modernizing existing security technology, this project enhances security for all citizens, public employees, and elected officials throughout the system of county buildings.
- Osawatomie John Brown Park Refurbishment ($1,560,000): To refurbish aged infrastructure and allow space for improved public engagement and historical education opportunities.
- Prairie Village Municipal Complex Modernization ($3,900,000): To upgrade driveways, sidewalks and curbs, underground retention, drainage pipes, fencing, pavement markings, landscaping, retaining walls, covered car ports, and utilities.
- UG Mount Marty Park Refurbishment ($1,075,000): To update park wayfinding signage, lighting, resurfacing of the roadway into Marty Park, trail work, structural repairs, sidewalk instillation, and landscaping.
What they are saying:
“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for championing the Lonestar Interceptor project through the Community Project Funding process,” said Tom Stephens, Mayor, City of Bonner Springs. “This critical infrastructure investment lays the foundation for future development, protects public health, and ensures our city is prepared for long-term growth. Her support brings us one step closer to a more resilient and sustainable Bonner Springs.”
“Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about protecting lives and supporting critical services like hospitals, emergency response, and local industry,” said Jeremy Ash, General Manager, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities. “This investment would strengthen our electric system, improve service resilience, and ensure we can meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. We’re grateful to Rep. Davids for championing this project, and we urge leaders to support funding that delivers real, long-term benefits to Kansans, especially the hardworking families and businesses of Wyandotte County.”
"The City of Osawatomie and its leadership sincerely appreciate Representative Davids’ steadfast support and commitment to preserving a vital chapter of our nation's history,” said Bret Glendening, City Manager, Osawatomie. “The events that unfolded in Osawatomie were pivotal in shaping both Kansas and the United States, and their significance cannot be overstated. Securing Representative Davids’ endorsement is an important first step for the future of John Brown Park, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to help make this critical federal investment a reality."
"We thank Representative Davids for her support in securing these important community project funds – a testament to the powerful impact of collaboration between the federal and local levels,” said Curt Skoog, Mayor, Overland Park. “The upgrades at the I-435 and Metcalf will improve safety for Overland Park drivers, and the body camera replacements will equip our Police Department with essential tools for transparency. We look forward to the positive impact of these investments on our community."
“On behalf of the City of Princeton and Franklin County I would like to express our appreciation to Representative Sharice Davids support of our request for funding,” said Paul Bean, Executive Director, Franklin County Development Council. The funding to fix and improve infrastructure in the City of Princeton is vital to the future growth and development of the community. Without federal and state support, our small rural communities will not have the opportunity to thrive and grow.”
“We are very grateful for Representative Davids continued support for reopening the Kansas Avenue bridge and continuing to be a champion for improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Tyrone Garner, Mayor, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. “This funding request will help us with the design and environmental work that must be done to get this critical transportation artery operating again. The UG also appreciates Representative Davids support for restoration of the historic Mount Marty Park that is a treasured part of the Rosedale neighborhood."
“New Century AirCenter contributes $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “Upgrading the Air Traffic Control Tower is essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and economic value the airport brings to Johnson County and the entire region. We appreciate Rep. Davids’ support for this vital infrastructure investment.”
“Enhancing building security helps protect our public facilities, employees, and the residents who rely on our services,” said Byron Roberson, Sheriff, Johnson County. “We’re grateful for Rep. Davids’ partnership in supporting the safe and effective delivery of these essential services.”
“We appreciate Representative Davids' support for our municipal civic center improvement.,” said Eric Mikkelson, Mayor, Prairie Village. “This significant Prairie Village project addresses aging and failing infrastructure, provides improved working conditions for police and city staff, and creates adequate space for public meetings and future growth. By planning ahead, we will ensure that we have a functional, modern facility to benefit current residents and future generations.”
“This project would strengthen transportation safety not only for Spring Hill, but for everyone who uses the K-7 corridor,” said Joe Berkey, Mayor, Spring Hill. “We appreciate Rep. Davids’ continued support in advocating for federal investment in our community.”
“The City of Princeton would like to thank Sharice Davids for adding Princeton’s storm water improvements to her community project funding submissions,” said Chris Hutchinson, Mayor, Princeton. “This funding will be beneficial to our community in more ways than one. The community as a whole appreciates the support.”
"The State of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City region are becoming hubs for advanced manufacturing, with major developments like Panasonic’s new plant in DeSoto—bringing an estimated 4,000 jobs—Garmin’s expansion in Olathe, and Merck’s recent announcement to add 200 jobs through expanded vaccine production in DeSoto,” said Dr. Ben Wolfe, CEO and Dean, K-State Olathe. “To successfully onshore manufacturing and grow American jobs, we must invest in education and workforce training. K-State Olathe is proud to partner with Rep. Sharice Davids and others to launch a state-of-the-art lab that will support academic programs, professional development, and applied research to meet industry needs and drive innovation."