Davids Announces Federal Grants to Improve Airport Infrastructure in Kansas’ Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted $964,000 to two local airports to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety, and create good-paying jobs. The awards stem from DOT’s Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), which were created by the bipartisan infrastructure law. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote for the law.
"When we make targeted investments in local infrastructure, our communities become safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle future economic development and job growth," said Davids. "Our community is located in the middle of the country, so we are perfectly situated to be a national leader in shipping and logistics, which improves domestic supply chains and lowers costs for Kansas families and businesses. These new investments to improve aging airport infrastructure will help ensure we can continue to move goods and ensure Kansans are safe while flying."
In the past decade, inconsistent funding has prohibited the timely modernization of airspace technology and infrastructure. These awards will help reverse that trend so American air travel remains the safest and most efficient in the world. To date, Kansas has received approximately $58.1 million for airports from the bipartisan infrastructure law. In Kansas' Third District, the new AIG awards have been granted to:
- New Century Airport, Olathe: $851,000
- Miami County Airport, Paola: $113,000
“In 2023, New Century AirCenter set a record number of aircraft operations,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “These funds will help support needed runway improvements and this work will ensure that we can continue to provide excellent service at New Century well into the future. We are appreciative of Rep. Davids’ support in prioritizing these projects.”
“Miami County is pleased to receive $696,627 of FAA grant funds and BIL grant funds,” said Shane Krull, County Administrator, Miami County. “The money will allow for crack sealing, seal coat application, and restriping the primary runway. Additionally, the money will allow for rehabilitation of the apron adjacent to the terminal building. Miami County is providing a 10-percent local grant match for the project. The support of Representative Sharice Davids, local FAA Central Office staff, and Brian Coomes of Olsson Engineering is instrumental in Miami County, Kansas receiving funds to improve the local airport.”
The bipartisan infrastructure law, which is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings, has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In all, more than $3.2 billion in federal bipartisan infrastructure law funding has been announced for Kansas, with more than 311 specific projects identified — from lead pipe replacement in Olathe to safety initiatives in KCK to long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.