Davids Highlights Federal Funding for Overland Park Road Reconstruction
OVERLAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids toured the 167th Street, Antioch to Switzer Road, reconstruction project in Overland Park, which will improve the accessibility of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and support long-term job growth. Davids' funding request for roadway improvements is one of 15 local projects that have been approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, eight of which have passed the House thus far.
"This new federal funding that I requested alongside Overland Park city officials will help improve the safety and drivability of a road that is getting busier every year," said Davids. "With new pavement, curb, bike lanes, storm sewers, and more, I am excited for the future economic development this project will support. 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 167th Street improvement project demonstrates the City of Overland Park's commitment to enhancing safety and mobility and carefully considering sustainability, while connecting existing and future neighborhoods to high quality retail, dining, recreational and healthcare facilities nearby," said Curt Skoog, Mayor of Overland Park, KS. "I look forward to sharing more about this project and the benefits it will provide to Overland Park and all of the Kansas' 3rd District."
Rep. Sharice Davids standing in front of a soon-to-be roundabout at the intersection of 167th Street and Antioch.
The existing one-mile portion of 167th Street is designated in the Overland Park Future Development Plan as a major thoroughfare, but currently has narrow lanes, steep roadside ditches, and no pedestrian access. The federal funding requested by Davids' office will help provide safety, mobility, economic, and environmental benefits as it connects to a rapidly growing area of Overland Park that includes Advent Health, the Bluehawk retail/dining/athletic complex, and the Blue Valley Schools Activity Center. Information on the specific improvements, including a roundabout intersection, shoulders in each direction, a new curb and gutter on the north side, and enclosed storm drainage, can be found here.
More details on the City of Overland Park's funding request can be found here and the latest Appropriations Committee reports can be found here. Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects was submitted in conjunction with local officials and selected for its 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.