Davids Works Construction Shift at Future Panasonic Roadway, Highlights Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
DE SOTO, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids worked a "Sharice's Shift" with Clarkson Construction Company to highlight the impact and implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Davids shadowed workers at the K-10 Lexington Avenue exit, which will be the main roadway for Kansans traveling to the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility. The bipartisan infrastructure law has already supported 63 highway modernization and improvement projects in the Kansas Third District since passage, including installing new decking on the K-10 bridge over Lexington Avenue.
"I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to create good-paying jobs and make getting to work and school safer and faster. But now, I want to ensure Kansans feel the benefits of these federal dollars as soon as possible and where it's needed most," said Davids. "The project I worked on today is a great example of how investing in infrastructure can help prepare our community for future economic growth, like Panasonic. I'm excited to shadow more hard-working Kansans and see firsthand how the infrastructure law is benefiting Kansans' everyday lives."
"The Clarkson team is thrilled to lead KDOT's first-ever progressive design-build project here in De Soto," said project manager Kevin Kellerman. "We are proud to have an opportunity to contribute to a project that will leave a transformational impact on the surrounding community and its future growth. We want to extend our thanks to Rep. Davids for highlighting this exciting project and the work taking place as we get underway."
During the "Sharice's Shift," Davids helped with potholing for utilities, a non-destructive digging process that uses vacuum excavation to dig precision holes to expose utility lines. Along with the federally-funded K-10 / Lexington Avenue bridge upgrades, this project will support increased traffic as the area prepares for the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility and surrounding development.
The bipartisan infrastructure law is already improving Kansas roads, water quality, broadband access, and more. In total, approximately $1.5 billion has been announced and is headed to Kansas with over 121 specific projects identified for funding. Additionally, nearly 60% of state capital for highway construction and planning projects in the state, like the K-10 upgrade, is supported by federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law. Davids, who serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, met with the President and senior White House officials multiple times to help get this legislation across the finish line.
The Kansas Department of Commerce estimates more than 20,000 jobs will be created because of the developing Panasonic facility. To keep up with this job growth, Johnson County must now update and invest in local infrastructure, including roads, highways, and bridges. Davids recently hosted U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in De Soto to highlight the major impact the Panasonic plant will have in the community. She also hosted discussions with local business and manufacturing leaders on how to take advantage of recent federal legislation to bring jobs to the area, lower costs for consumers, and support workforce development.