Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Today, Representative Sharice Davids voted to pass a bipartisan funding agreement that includes nine of her project requests aimed at improving road, water, and aviation infrastructure across Kansas’ Third District. She applauded the cooperative effort as another critical step toward avoiding another costly government shutdown while making smart, targeted investments in communities.
“Working across the aisle is how Congress should operate — and when we do, people see real results,” said Davids. “These projects were shaped with local leaders and designed to make everyday life safer and more reliable, from the roads we drive to the water we drink and the parks where our children play. This is a fiscally responsible, community-driven investment that delivers real, lasting results for Kansans.”
The funding agreement includes nine projects championed by Davids, totaling $9.2 million, as part of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill:
- 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)
- “On behalf of the people of Osawatomie, I want to thank the entire Kansas Congressional delegation, especially Congresswoman Sharice Davids and Senator Jerry Moran, for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to our community. Their support for improvements to John Brown Park and the new John Brown Visitors Center recognizes the national importance of Osawatomie’s role in Kansas and American history. These investments will drive tourism, create economic opportunity, and help us tell our story for generations to come,” said Nick Hampson, Mayor, City of Osawatomie.
- 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.
- “This $2 million funding is a major step toward delivering a modern air traffic control tower that strengthens safety, improves operational reliability, and supports future growth. With dedicated federal funding for this project, we can enhance visibility and communications while better serving business aviation, medical flights, and emergency response. We appreciate Representative Davids’ leadership in securing this investment for our community,” said Bryan Johnson, Executive Director, Johnson County Airport Commission.
- “New Century AirCenter contributes $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy. Upgrading the Air Traffic Control Tower is essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and economic value the airport brings to Johnson County and the entire region. We appreciate Rep. Davids’ support for this vital infrastructure investment,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.
- 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.
- “The Metcalf and I-435 corridor is a critical artery for our city, and this $1.3 million investment is vital for modernizing our infrastructure to meet today’s safety and mobility standards. We are incredibly grateful for Representative Davids’ dedicated work in securing this bipartisan funding, which allows us to replace aging signals and enhance pedestrian accessibility for everyone who travels through this busy area,” said Lorraine Basalo, Public Works Director/City Engineer, City of Overland Park.
- 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 the many local industrial and manufacturing businesses in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
- “On behalf the Unified Government Board of Commissioners and staff, I want to express our gratitude to Representative Davids for her championing these important projects. Mount Marty Park is a community treasure and we are very excited to see it get a much needed refurbishment,” said Christal Watson, Mayor, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.
- Spring Hill Intersection Improvements ($850,000): To construct a safety upgrade and modernization for the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and 191st Street to provide safety improvements for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- “The intersection of U.S. 169 and 191st St. is dangerous for the thousands of residents, workers, and visitors who travel through Spring Hill each day. We’re grateful for Rep. Davids’ support and efforts in securing funding for a traffic signal at this intersection, which will significantly improve safety,” said Chad Young, Mayor, City of Spring Hill.
- Johnson County Building Security Upgrades ($850,000): To modernize county building security panel access systems. By modernizing existing security technology, this project enhances security for all citizens, public employees, and elected officials throughout the system of county buildings.
- “Enhancing building security helps protect our public facilities, employees, and the residents who rely on our services. We’re grateful for Rep. Davids’ partnership in supporting the safe and effective delivery of these essential services,” said Byron Roberson, Sheriff, Johnson County.
- UG Mount Marty Park Refurbishment ($250,000): To update park wayfinding signage, lighting, resurfacing of the roadway into Marty Park, trail work, structural repairs, sidewalk installation, and landscaping.
- “Representative Davids has been a big supporter of our efforts to reopen the Kansas Avenue bridge and we very much appreciate her continued advocacy for this major priority,” said Christal Watson, Mayor, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.
- BPU Electric Grid System Improvements ($250,000): To construct three additional feeders from the new Rosedale Substation to the University of Kansas Medical Center campus.
- “Reliable power underpins daily life in our community, from homes and schools to local businesses and critical services. This investment strengthens the electric system Wyandotte County depends on, improving reliability today while preparing us for the future. We’re grateful to Representative Davids for her bipartisan leadership and continued commitment to public power and the people it serves,” said Jeremy Ash, General Manager, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities.
- Prairie Village Municipal Complex Improvements ($250,000): To upgrade driveways, sidewalks, curbs, underground retention, drainage pipes, fencing, pavement markings, landscaping, retaining walls, covered carports, and utilities.
- “We appreciate Representative Davids’ support for our municipal civic center improvement. This significant Prairie Village project addresses aging and failing infrastructure, provides improved working conditions for police and city staff, and creates adequate space for public meetings and future growth. By planning ahead, we will ensure that we have a functional, modern facility to benefit current residents and future generations,” said Eric Mikkelson, Mayor, City of Prairie Village.
The THUD bill lowers costs for families and strengthens communities by expanding access to affordable housing, preventing evictions, improving highways and air traffic control systems, and protecting passenger rail investments that keep people and goods moving. The bill also rejects extreme Republican policies that would have undermined local law enforcement, weakened tenant protections, and raised household energy costs.
This bipartisan approach in the U.S. House aligns with Davids’ long-standing call to pass responsible, bipartisan funding measures to avoid shutdowns. While today’s passage is a step forward, the Senate must still pass the bills, and President Trump must sign them into law.
Each of the Davids-requested projects was submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.