Residents from every corner of Johnson County will benefit from the allocation of more than $40 million. On Oct. 5, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the 2024 plan and its funding for two long-standing programs to improve roadways and stormwater systems.

The County Assistance Road System, commonly known as CARS, funds 11 projects in 13 cities in 2024. The Stormwater Management Program’s 2024 plan includes 19 system assessment and replacement capital projects in seven cities along with other watershed improvements. Separate, unanimous votes funded each program at slightly more than $20 million. Johnson County’s Public Works department manages both programs.

“Since these two vital programs began, Johnson County has invested more than $700 million in over 425 projects to improve roadways and to maximize flood control efforts in the county,” said Chairman Mike Kelly. “These programs are strong examples of necessary county and city collaboration for the benefit of all residents.”

CARS program

Three capital roadway enhancement projects received CARS funding next year:

• $6.8 million for an unimproved stretch of Quivira Road from 179th to 187th streets in Overland Park. This major project involves construction of a two-lane concrete thoroughfare, shoulder/bike lane and sidewalks, a roundabout at 179th Street intersection, new bridges over Wolf Creek and Wolf Creek Tributary, storm sewers, street lighting, restoration, landscaping and other features.
• $2.9 million to enhance Black Bob Road from 159th to 167th streets in Olathe. Work includes construction of a four-lane divided arterial section, bike lanes, curb and gutter, medians, streetlights, storm sewers and sidewalks on both sides of the road.
• $1,072,000 to reconstruct Lexington Avenue from 95th Street to Sunflower Road in De Soto to a four-lane divided arterial roadway.

The 2024 CARS program also helps fund eight major maintenance projects involving asphalt overlays, curb repairs, storm sewers, sidewalk improvements with ADA compliant ramps, pavement markings and traffic loops. As examples, overlay of Mission Road from 63rd to 67th streets included CARS allocations to Mission Hills ($115,000) and Prairie Village ($144,000). Gardner will receive $669,000 to improve Center Street from 167th to Warren streets.

CARS funding comes from a combination of a revenue from a gas tax and county support. The CARS Technical Review Committee, including representation from Johnson County cities, reviewed the 2024 expenditures  and made recommendations to the Board.  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.

Stormwater Management Program

The 2024 Stormwater Management Program is set at $20,125,000. In addition to funding system assessment and replacement capital projects, the plan allocates $4.5 million for watershed improvement projects and $3.625 million for planning and support projects. The 2024 expenditures fund projects focused on:

• flood risk reduction
• condition assessment and replacement of failing stormwater conveyance systems
• voluntary home buyouts
• water quality improvement and preservation projects
• on-going efforts including the countywide rain and stream gauge network and assistance to cities to meet the requirements of their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.

Thanks to a 1/10-cent sales tax authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988 and approved by the Board, the SMP 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 sales tax allows the county to create an annual stormwater management plan and provide 50% of funding for eligible design and construction projects in the county and cities in Johnson County.

The Board created the Stormwater Management Program in 1990 and the Stormwater Management Advisory Council in 1994. The council helps coordinate stormwater efforts and advises the board on stormwater management-related issues.

Find more details on the 2024 CARS and SMP projects and programs.