Johnson County has allocated $48.9 million for its 2027 roadway and stormwater programs, including projects in Olathe and Lenexa.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the allocations at its Thursday, Oct. 22, meeting, according to a county news release. The money flows through two programs managed by the county's Public Works Department: the County Assistance Road System (CARS) and the Stormwater Management Program.

All first-priority CARS projects submitted by participating cities received funding. Available funding also covered one second-priority and one third-priority project.

Projects in Olathe and Lenexa

Projects receiving funding in Olathe and Lenexa include:

  • Lone Elm Road, 119th Street to Harold, Olathe: $3.3 million in CARS funding.
  • 83rd Street, Gleason Road to Clare Road, Lenexa: $2 million in CARS funding to widen the road from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with turn lanes, a mixed-use trail, sidewalk, streetlights and storm sewer. Both intersections will become multi-lane roundabouts.
  • Northgate, Harold Street to Nelson Road, Olathe: $1.8 million in stormwater funds to replace corrugated metal pipes.

The largest single CARS project countywide is $4.8 million for Switzer Road reconstruction in Overland Park, from 167th to 179th Streets.

How the money works

CARS is funded by the county's share of motor vehicle fuel tax revenue and property tax support. The program covers up to 50% of a project's eligible construction and inspection costs. Cities pay for design, right-of-way and utility relocation.

The Stormwater Management Program draws from a dedicated one-tenth of one percent sales tax authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988. Since both programs began, nearly $830 million has been invested in county infrastructure.

"When Johnson County, our cities and our watershed partners work together, taxpayers get real results - safer roads, improved water quality and better flood control," BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly said in the release.

All first-priority projects submitted by participating cities received funding. Available money also covered one second-priority and one third-priority project. The vote tally was not included in the release.

Project details are available on the Johnson County Public Works website.