$43.8 million in county funding will support 2026 roadway and stormwater system improvements across the county

Two long-standing infrastructure programs that improve roadways and stormwater systems in Johnson County will receive about $43.8 million for 2026, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners decided during its Oct. 9 meeting.

Thirteen projects in 13 cities in the county will receive funding through the County Assistance Road System, commonly known as CARS. County funding of $18.8 million will support the top-priority project in each of the cities receiving funding.

The Stormwater Management Program's 2026 plan will be funded at $25 million and includes 19 system assessment and replacement capital projects and four watershed improvements.

Since its inception, more than $780 million in CARS and Stormwater Management Program funds have been invested in infrastructure. Johnson County's Public Works department manages both programs.

"Collaboration between cities and the county is essential as we prioritize critical infrastructure projects," said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. "By investing in roads and flood control efforts, we are serving the needs of our growing community and maintaining the vital assets our residents depend upon every day."

CARS Program

Half of all 2026 CARS Program funds will go to 10 major road-maintenance projects. Nearly half (49%) will pay for two projects that will increase traffic capacity, and the remainder (1%) will be earmarked for a route enhancement project in Fairway that replaces sidewalks and adds accessible sidewalk ramps at curbs.

The top four highest-funded projects for 2026 include:

Switzer Road from 167th to 179th Streets in Overland Park

The current asphalt road will be replaced with a two-lane concrete street with new shoulders, curbs and sidewalks. The bridge over Coffee Creek will be replaced, and storm sewers and street lighting will be updated.

• CARS funding: $5.88 million
• City of Overland Park funding: $15.5 million
• Federal funding: $3.5 million

Quivira Road from 143rd to 151st Streets in Olathe

Quivira Road will be altered from an undivided two-lane road with drainage ditches to a divided roadway with concrete curbs, gutters, an enclosed storm-sewer system and bike lanes. Sidewalks also will be added.

• CARS funding: $3.37 million
• City of Olathe funding: $5.9 million
• Federal funding: $3.5 million

Johnson Drive from Metcalf to Lamar Avenues in Mission

This stretch of Johnson Drive will receive major maintenance and include sidewalks, curb replacement, ADA-compliant ramps, street lighting, traffic signals and storm sewer rehabilitation.

• CARS funding: $1.82 million
• City of Mission funding: $1.95 million
• Federal funding: $6 million

Midland Drive from Shawnee Mission Parkway to Interstate 435 in Shawnee

This 1.5-mile portion of Midland Drive will be replaced and reconstructed to include bike lanes. Curbs, gutters and lighting will be added, as will a sidewalk on the north side of the road.

• CARS funding: $1.81 million
• City of Shawnee funding: $9.28 million

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 2026 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.

Stormwater Management Program

The 2026 Stormwater Management Program is set at $25,013,842, including $2.46 million in program reserves that were previously allocated but were unspent. Of that total fund, about half (46%) will be earmarked for stormwater system inspection ($500,000) and 18 replacement projects ($11.09 million).

About $4.6 million will go to planning and support projects, such as research studies and engineering support, and $7.7 million will be designated for watershed improvement projects. The two largest expenditures in this category are:

• Upper Turkey Creek stormwater improvements in Merriam. The Stormwater Management Program in 2026 will fund $1.5 million of a multi-year project. The City of Merriam will spend $500,000.
• Rock Creek stormwater improvements from Lamar to Nall Avenues. This is a continuation of a project that began in 2025. For 2026 the SMP share is $1.25 million, and the City of Mission will fund that same amount. The total project amount will be $11.8 million with each entity contributing $5.6 million.

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

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 2025 have been highlighted on the county's social media channels. Visit the links below.

• Nall Avenue between 67th and 75th Streets
• Shawnee Mission Parkway between Interstate 435 (I-435) and Kansas Highway 7 (K-7)