Local Governments Join Davids to Celebrate Her Federal Investments for 14 Community Projects

Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined local leaders to celebrate 14 newly secured projects across Kansas’ Third District that will strengthen local economies and keep families safe and healthy. These investments, totaling $17.8 million, will fund new manufacturing lab equipment to train students for the jobs of the future, improve flood mitigation infrastructure and maintain safe roads and bridges to keep Kansans safe, help protect our law enforcement, and support other key community needs.

“My job is to advocate for the Third District and make sure our community’s priorities are front and center in Washington,” said Davids. “We worked closely with local leaders and carefully vetted every project to ensure it delivers a strong return on investment for Kansas families. I’ve always pushed for responsible budgeting that protects taxpayers, and these investments do exactly that while making a real difference in our communities.”

Davids was joined by community leaders from all corners of the Third District to celebrate the impact of these projects. The other speakers included Overland Park Police Department Deputy Chief Ryan Miller, Franklin County Commissioner Ianne Dickinson, and K-State Olathe Dean and CEO Ben Wolfe.

Before the press conference, Davids toured the K-State Olathe Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center (BSTC) to highlight the $5 million she secured to purchase new equipment that will help train students for high-tech, good-paying jobs in supply chain research and advanced manufacturing. The center supports industry through specialized testing, education, and research on powders and dry bulk materials and is the only university-based facility in North America dedicated to advancing powder and bulk solids handling technology.

“Kansas State University Olathe is honored and thrilled to receive federal funding to invest in education and research supporting the bio and advanced manufacturing industries,” said Ben Wolfe, Dean and CEO, K-State Olathe. “We are deeply grateful for the strong leadership and support of Representative Sharice Davids, Senator Jerry Moran, and others who made this investment possible. This transformational funding will have a lasting impact on the City of Olathe, Johnson County, the State of Kansas, and the broader Midwest. As an innovation campus advancing Kansas State University’s Next Gen Strategic Plan, K-State Olathe is committed to building an ecosystem that helps meet the demand for a highly skilled manufacturing workforce and provides research solutions to industry.”

The Davids-secured Fiscal Year 2026 projects include:

• K-State Olathe Manufacturing Equipment ($5,004,000): To buy lab equipment so students can train for high-tech, good-paying supply chain research and advanced manufacturing jobs as domestic manufacturing grows in Kansas City.
• John Brown Park Infrastructure Refurbishment ($2,250,000): To refurbish the museum and aging infrastructure, allowing space for improved public engagement and historical education opportunities.
  • This was a joint project request with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
• Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at New Century AirCenter (IXD) ($2,000,000): To build a new, safer air traffic control tower, replacing an operationally obsolete tower, making flights safer and more efficient.
• Overland Park Street Signal Replacement and Sidewalk Improvement ($1,300,000): To replace the traffic signal and sidewalk at Metcalf Avenue and I-435 westbound, Metcalf Avenue and I-435 eastbound, and Metcalf Avenue and 110th Street.
• Kansas Avenue Bridge Design and Environmental Clearance Project ($1,200,000): To reconnect the Kansas City region and connect the urban freight corridor crucial to local industrial and manufacturing businesses.
• Bonner Springs Sewage ($1,092,000): To build new sewer lines to prevent overflows and better serve residents and local businesses.
• Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) Body Camera Replacement ($1,031,000): To purchase body cameras and improve video systems to increase safety, transparency, and trust.
• Olathe Sewer Rehabilitation ($884,466): To replace old sewer pipes and manholes to prevent leaks and protect public health.
• Johnson County Building Security Upgrades ($850,000): To modernize building security systems for enhanced safety.
• Spring Hill Intersection Improvements ($850,000): To modernize the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and 191st Street for improved safety.
• Princeton Stormwater Improvements ($610,680): To improve storm drainage and prevent flooding while supporting economic growth.
• Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Electric Grid System Improvements ($250,000): To construct additional feeders from the Rosedale Substation to the KU Medical Center campus.
• Prairie Village Municipal Complex Improvements ($250,000): To upgrade infrastructure including sidewalks, drainage, and utilities.
• Unified Government Mount Marty Park Refurbishment ($250,000): To upgrade park infrastructure including signage, lighting, and trails. 

Each of the 14 Davids-requested projects was submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community, bring economic opportunity to the Third District, and tackle climate change. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.