Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
OLATHE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Olathe to see firsthand how a federal grant she helped secure will improve road safety in the city. The $691,000 grant comes from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, created by the bipartisan infrastructure law — legislation Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support.
“Chatting with folks in Olathe and seeing firsthand how this grant will be used reminded me that road safety is about protecting families, cyclists, and pedestrians every day,” said Davids. “Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, this federal investment will fund speed management, roundabouts, and safety audits that give residents peace of mind and make our streets safer for everyone. Investments like this show how thoughtful federal policy can have a real, tangible impact on communities across Kansas’ Third District.”
City of Olathe: $691,200
- Funds will be used to develop a citywide Speed Management Plan, a quick-build compact roundabout, and a road safety audit to inform standards and future projects.
Davids previously released a report examining transportation safety in Kansas’ Third District, which found that 21 percent of the state’s pedestrian crash–related deaths in 2020 occurred within the district. The grant highlighted today will help address these safety challenges and improve outcomes.
“We know being able to drive throughout Olathe in a safe and timely manner is a top priority for our residents, and it is for us as well,” said John Bacon, Mayor, Olathe. “This grant money will help us protect our residents while also improving the quality of life for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Thank you to our federal partners for your support of Olathe.”
The bipartisan infrastructure law, which has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in the last decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is funded through a combination of new revenues and existing savings. To date, more than $3.2 billion has been invested in Kansas through the bipartisan infrastructure law – from expanding statewide rural broadband access, lead pipe replacements in Olathe, safety initiatives in KCK, and long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.