Davids Works “Sharice’s Shift” on Stormwater Maintenance, Highlights Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Impact
KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids worked a "Sharice's Shift" on stormwater maintenance to highlight the impact and implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Davids, who previously released a report on the state of water infrastructure in Kansas' Third District, shadowed workers from the Unified Government's Stormwater Infrastructure Program in the Argentine Neighborhood and visited a local business to learn how flood risks affects their everyday operations. She also visited a new pump station built through the federally-funded Kansas City Levees project.
In the last decade, Kansas has experienced 39 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $20 billion in damages. To help bolster our resilience against these events and ensure access to clean water, the bipartisan infrastructure law has allocated $63 million to Kansas for flood mitigation, nearly half of which goes to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who oversees the Kansas City Levees Project. Additionally, earlier this week, Davids announced $66.1 million for clean drinking water and lead pipe replacement in Kansas.
"From the water in our taps to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives. People don't always realize how important those systems are until they fail, but it's our responsibility to ensure they never get to that point," said Davids. "That's why I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law: to ensure projects that protect our communities and our health can be successful. It was great shadowing hard-working Kansans at similar projects today."
During the "Sharice's Shift," Davids operated a remote-control car, inspecting pipes throughout the stormwater system to uncover blockage and damage. Davids also drove a street sweeper, which is used to remove debris, clean drains, and ensure road safety after the occurrence of extreme weather events. The KC Levees Project, which includes seven levees over 60 miles, is expected to reduce flood risks by 200% for more than 30,000 residents and $9.5 billion worth of property. Last month, Davids worked a "Sharice's Shift" at the K-10 Lexington Avenue exit, which will be the main roadway for Kansans traveling to the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility.
Historically stormwater infrastructure has been a neglected utility, however it is apparent in my job as a Project Engineer, that enhancing our stormwater infrastructure is important for our residents, existing and future businesses," said Sarah White, Stormwater Engineer, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS. "Stormwater infrastructure ranges from Levee systems along the river for flood protection to separation of combined sewers to enhance water quality in our streams and rivers. These projects could not be possible without federal funding and we are hoping to provide upgraded systems with the help of the Infrastructure Law."
"Businesses can feel more confident locating here, people feel safer building homes, and all of our investments in the neighborhood are better protected. Stormwater infrastructure isn't very visible and doesn't get a lot of attention, but funding it well is absolutely essential to building thriving neighborhoods," said Erin Stryka, Kansas City, Kansas resident.
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. 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.