Davids Highlights Approved Funding Request for Updated Drinking Water Infrastructure in Olathe

Today, Representative Sharice Davids toured the Renner Pump Station in Olathe to highlight her recently approved federal funding request. This project, which is one of 15 Davids-sponsored requests, would replace the 35-year-old generator at the pump station, ensuring access to clean drinking water in emergency situations. Davids was joined by Olathe Mayor John Bacon and City Administrator Tim Danneberg.

"From the water in our tap to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives," said Davids. "The current generator at the pump station does not meet the expected safety requirements necessary to serve the entire Olathe community. I'm glad to work with our local officials to bring federal funds home and make our communities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to keep up with our growing community."

“The City of Olathe is proud to deliver exceptional city services to our residents, and the reliability and safety of those services are paramount,” said John Bacon, Mayor, City of Olathe. “Safe water is one of our community’s most basic needs, and these improvements are necessary to ensure it remains accessible at all times, even during an emergency. This project allows us to remain resilient and to continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents. Thank you to Congresswoman Davids for her support of this priority.”

“Olathe is incredibly fortunate to have the strong support of our Congressional delegation,” said Tim Danneberg, City Administrator, City of Olathe. “We applaud Congresswoman Davids’ continued efforts to support Olathe and the Third District by helping secure important federal funds benefiting our community.”

The Renner Pump Station transports water from the Renner Tower to homes, businesses, and schools in Olathe. Its power is currently provided by a diesel generator that was installed in 1984, 35 years ago. The generator, which is required to provide reliable standby power during extreme weather events, is at the end of its service life and spare parts are no longer available for repairs. Davids’ funding request would help replace the generator, ensuring access to clean drinking water for all Olathe residents.

More information on the City of Olathe's funding request can be found here. Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects were submitted in conjunction with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.

As part of her "State of our Systems" series, Davids previously released a report examining the status of water infrastructure in the Third District of Kansas. Additional reports focus on bridges, roads, and safety in the Third District.