Davids Announces New Federal Funding for Merriam Flood Control Project
$23.9 million investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law adds to Davids-secured funds from March
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that $23.9 million is coming to the Upper Turkey Creek flood mitigation project in Merriam, Kansas—a longtime priority of the community. This bipartisan infrastructure law funding will be used to lift downtown Merriam out of the floodplain and reduce flood risk to businesses and homes in the area.
Earlier this year, Davids secured initial funding for design and analysis of the Upper Turkey Creek project in H.R. 2471, the broader government funding bill for fiscal year 2022. Today's additional, $23.9 million investment comes from the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Davids helped pass as Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The majority of the funds will go toward construction and were allocated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Rep. Davids celebrating initial federal funding of the Upper Turkey Creek Project with Mayor Pape, Merriam City Councilmembers, and Johnson County District 1 Commissioner Becky Fast.
"Certainty, safety, and opportunity: that's what this project signifies. And with this new investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law, we will be able to take action on plans to lift downtown Merriam out of the floodplain and protect hundreds of homes and businesses from flooding," said Davids. "I'll continue working to bring federal funds home to our community where they will make a real difference for the Kansas Third."
"With this additional funding, the City can continue its efforts with the Army Corp of Engineers to mitigate future flooding in downtown Merriam as they begin designing the Upper Turkey Creek levee and flood walls. Once the levee is complete – it will not only protect private property and increase safety, but will also spur additional investment in downtown Merriam," said Mayor Bob Pape of Merriam.
The risk of flooding has been a significant barrier to economic development and safety in the area, especially as severe weather events become more frequent. When completed, the levee will protect hundreds of homes and over 80 businesses in Merriam, improving quality of life and attracting additional investment.
Rep. Davids celebrating initial federal funding of the Upper Turkey Creek Project with Mayor Pape in March 2022.