WATCH: Davids Celebrates New Federal Funding for Wastewater Infrastructure, Economic Development in Gardner
GARDNER, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids toured the Gardner Wastewater Infrastructure Project to celebrate passage of her funding request to upgrade essential water infrastructure to support residential and commercial development. While Gardner has the highest projected population growth rate in Johnson County through 2030, its current wastewater system operates at near 90% capacity. Davids was joined by Gardner Mayor Todd Winters, City Administrator Jim Pruetting, and Gardner Utilities Manager Jeff LeMire.
In December, the President signed a law fulfilling Davids' request of $3 million to fund Gardner's wastewater project. 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.
WATCH: Rep. Davids and Gardner city leaders explain how new federal funding for the Gardner Wastewater Infrastructure Project will improve community development:
"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 excited to help deliver this much-needed federal funding to Gardner where it will help the community grow and thrive."
"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 Jim Preutting, 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."
Specifically, the federal funding will go towards 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, will also be added to connect the new lift station to the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure at the South Lift Station. This project is part of the over $31 million of federal funding that Davids secured for local projects in FY2023, including upgrades to local police and fire department facilities in Olathe and Shawnee and funding for much-needed infrastructure projects from Overland Park to Wyandotte County.
Members of the U.S. House were able to request federal resources for up to 15 projects with demonstrated community support. Out of hundreds of bipartisan submissions, 14 Davids-requested projects were passed into law. Each project met high ethics standards and was submitted in tandem with local officials, then selected for its potential to bring economic opportunity to the Third District, improve health and safety, and tackle climate change.