Davids Highlights Gardner Economic Development, Federal Funding for Wastewater Infrastructure
GARDNER, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids toured the Gardner wastewater infrastructure project, which was recently approved for federal funding. The project is aimed at creating new space for residential and commercial development as Gardner has the highest projected population growth rate in Johnson County through 2030. Davids was joined by Gardner Mayor Todd Winters and City Administrator Jim Preutting.
"From the water in our tap to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives including where we can build homes and businesses," said Davids. "When we make targeted investments in local infrastructure, our communities become safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle future development needs. I'm proud to support Gardner's wastewater infrastructure project and the economic growth that will follow."
"We are very grateful for Representative Davids' active interest and assistance in the City of Gardner's wastewater infrastructure project," said Todd Winters, Gardner Mayor. "Bringing this project to fruition will open the doors to more growth and future development."
"The Gardner wastewater infrastructure project is critical to the continued growth and prosperity of the Gardner community," said JimPruetting, Gardner City Administrator. "With the substantial commercial and industrial development occurring in southwest Johnson County, Gardner is best positioned to meet the workforce and housing needs of the region, as we are already at the forefront of diversified residential development in this area. With that, we greatly appreciate Representative Sharice Davids' support of this project and her continued efforts on behalf of the City of Gardner."
The Gardner Wastewater Infrastructure Project is a top priority for Gardner given the current wastewater system operates at near 90% capacity while the need for additional housing continues to grow. $3 million in federal funding requested by Davids was recently approved to help fund a new lift station, a pumping station that moves wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, at Cedar Niles Road and 191st Street. A force main, a pressurized sewer pipe that conveys wastewater, would also be added to connect the new lift station to the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure at the South Lift Station.
The city has already approved plans for 1,024 single-family homes and 1,384 multifamily residential units, although the Johnson County 2021 Housing Study suggests a need for larger amounts. This new infrastructure project will support both construction of new affordable housing and continued commercial expansion at New Century Business Park and Logistics Park Kansas City Intermodal.
The Gardner wastewater project was one of 15 Davids-requested projects that were approved last week for federal funding by the House Appropriations subcommittees. Each project 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. The projects will be included in a larger appropriations package to be voted on in the House. More information on each project request and its impact on the community 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.