Johnson County allocated nearly $50 million to support 2027 roadway and stormwater system improvements across the county

Two long-standing infrastructure programs that improve roadways and stormwater systems in Johnson County will receive a combined $48.9 million investment for 2027. The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved those allocations at their Oct. 22 meeting.

Fifteen projects in 13 cities will receive funding through the County Assistance Road System, commonly known as CARS. The 2027 CARS Program includes $18.7 million in expenditures, with approximately $18.6 million allocated to roadway and bridge projects. All first-priority projects submitted by participating cities received funding, and available funding also allowed for one second-priority and one third-priority project.

The Stormwater Management Program's 2027 plan will be funded at $30.2 million and includes 22 system inspection and replacement capital projects and five watershed improvements aimed at reducing flood risk or improving water quality. The investment will also fund a new Community Based Public-Private Partnership program to implement innovative stormwater solutions in partnership with the private sector for public benefit.

Since its inception, nearly $830 million in CARS and Stormwater Management Program funds have been invested in infrastructure. Johnson County's Public Works department manages both programs.

"When Johnson County, our cities and our watershed partners work together, taxpayers get real results - safer roads, improved water quality and better flood control," said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. "Smart, shared investment in fundamental infrastructure is how we deliver quality services and keep our community growing and thriving."

CARS Program

CARS funding comes from the county's share of motor vehicle fuel tax revenues and ad valorem property tax support. The CARS Technical Review Committee, including representation from Johnson County cities, reviewed the 2027 expenditures and made recommendations to the BOCC. The program funds up to 50% of a project's eligible construction and construction inspection costs. Cities are responsible for other project costs such as design, right-of-way and utility relocation.

In 2027, approximately 43% of CARS project funding will support 10 major maintenance projects, while 54% will support three capacity improvement projects. The program also includes one traffic signal system management project (2%) and one bridge rehabilitation project (1%).

The top four highest-funded projects for 2027 include:

• Switzer Road from 167th to 179th Streets in Overland Park. Approximately $4.8 million in 2027 CARS funding will support this multiyear roadway reconstruction project, which includes a two-lane concrete thoroughfare with shoulders, bike lanes and sidewalks, construction of roundabouts at 175th and 179th, a new bridge over Coffee Creek, storm sewers, street lighting, restoration and landscaping.
• Lone Elm from 119th St. to Harold, in Olathe: $3.3 million in CARS funding will go towards reconstruction of the roadway to a two-lane divided section with concrete curb and gutter, enclosed storm sewer system, turn lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, with a roundabout at Harold Street and a dogbone roundabout at 123rd Terrace/124th Street.
• 83rd Street from Gleason Road to Clare Road in Lenexa: $2 million in CARS funding will go towards expanding 83rd Street from Gleason Road to Clare Road from an existing two-lane arterial roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with turn lanes, mixed-use trail, sidewalk, streetlights and storm sewer. Both intersections will be constructed as multi-lane roundabouts with this project.
• Shawnee Mission Parkway (Phase 3) Quivira to East City Limits in Shawnee: $2 million in CARS funding will support the removal and replacement of deteriorated curb, sidewalk/ADA ramps at intersections, upgrading/repair of storm drainage facilities, mill and overlay of asphalt surface, new pavement markings, signing upgrades, landscaping and LED streetlights.

Stormwater Management Program

A 1/10 of one percent sales tax is dedicated to stormwater management and flood control projects, authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988 and approved by the BOCC. The Stormwater Management Program annually provides funds for stormwater planning, technical assistance and capital projects in Johnson County in partnership with our cities, and with other cities in the Kansas City region as part of the regional stormwater system.

The 2027 Stormwater Management Program will invest $12.2 million in system management (storm sewer inspection or replacement projects), $11.8 million in watershed improvement projects (including water quality preservation and flood risk reduction projects) and $6.2 million in planning and support projects.

Some of the larger stormwater system replacement projects include:

• 2027 major storm sewer repair in Overland Park near Bluejacket Drive: $2.2 million in stormwater management funds for a mix of targeted repairs and full infrastructure replacements.
• Replacement of corrugated metal pipes on Northgate from Harold Street to Nelson Road in Olathe: $1.8 million in stormwater management funds to improve structural integrity.

Details about CARS and the Stormwater Management Program are available at the Department of Public Works' website at jocogov.org/department/public-works.

Projects from 2027 have been highlighted on the county's social media channels, including this video on an Old 56 Highway project in Gardner funded by the CARS program.