$17 million in federal funding coming to Johnson County for infrastructure
JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — Three Johnson County projects will receive funding as part of the recent federal action to prevent a U.S. government shutdown, which includes funding for several bipartisan government funding packages.
The $17.5 million in Congressional direct spending that is part of the package’s Community Project Funding will improve Johnson County’s infrastructure.
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“We greatly appreciate our federal delegation’s advocacy for this important funding,” Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly said.
“This funding is a prime example of partnership among government entities for the benefit of our community.”
Here are the projects the funding will go toward:
$15 million for New Century AirCenter air traffic control tower
The goal of this project is to replace the more than 80-year-old airport traffic control tower at New Century AirCenter with a new one.
The current tower does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requirements and has numerous Federal Aviation Administration documented safety issues.
“New Century AirCenter is the second busiest airport in Kansas, and we are so pleased that such an important operation is receiving funding for a new tower with improved safety and accessibility features, among other benefits,” Bryan Johnson, executive director of the Johnson County Airport Commission, said.
$1.509 million for the Highway 69 Sewer Relocation
The Kansas Department of Transportation is making improvements to Highway 69 between 151st Street and Interstate 435 to help with traffic congestion. The project requires changes to local utilities, including Johnson County Wastewater’s underground sewers.
“This funding for our sewer relocation project alleviates the direct financial impact to Johnson County while providing lasting benefits for the county’s infrastructure,” Johnson County Wastewater General Manager Susan Pekarek said.
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$1 million for Emergency Operations Center upgrade
According to a news release, the Emergency Operations Center, run by the Johnson County Government, is essential to the county’s crisis planning, preparation, and reaction.
This project would modernize and renovate the EOC’s technology.
“When we have activated our EOC for a disaster or crisis response, we rely on technology to help with communication and information sharing among those working in the space and out in the field,” Paul Davis, the director of the Department of Emergency Services, said.
We appreciate the technology upgrade this funding will provide,” said Paul Davis, director of the Department of Emergency Services.
