Davids Announces Major Grant for Johnson County Airport Safety Improvements

Image September 21, 2026 Press Release Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Johnson County Airport Commission with $13,240,851 in federal funding for much-needed upgrades to aging infrastructure at Olathe’s New Century AirCenter Airport, the second-busiest airport in Kansas. Funding was made possible by the Davids-backed bipartisan infrastructure law. “I’m thrilled to see the bipartisan infrastructure law continuing to deliver for Kansas,” said Davids . “This grant will replace aging, deteriorating runways with safer, more reliable infrastructure — helping protect passengers and airport workers while keeping Kansas connected to the rest of the country and the world. That’s an investment in aviation safety and in the Kansas economy.” Funding for the project comes by way of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant program. This latest investment will support efficient, fiscally responsible airport upgrades in line with the Johnson County Airport Commission's master plan, which supports economic growth and creates good-paying jobs for the region: Reconstructing 7,339 feet of aged runway Reconstructing aged lighting Replacing aged signage “New Century AirCenter is grateful for the Federal Aviation Administration’s announcement of $13.4 million in new Airport Infrastructure Program funding, which will allow us to fully reconstruct Runway 18-36 and upgrade critical airfield signage,” said Bryan Johnson, Executive Director, Johnson County Airport Commission. “This investment supports a runway that is essential to the economic vitality and transportation reliability of our region. As the second-busiest airport in Kansas, New Century AirCenter supports more than 96,000 annual operations and is home to approximately 183 aircraft, serving corporate, military, and general aviation users throughout the Midwest. Reconstructing our 7,339-foot primary runway ensures that we can continue delivering safe, efficient, and modern airfield operations for decades to come. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and we will work closely with our partners to ensure the project minimizes operational impacts on tenants, pilots, and the communities we serve. We appreciate Representative Sharice Davids’ advocacy for aviation safety and infrastructure modernization, as well as the Department of Transportation’s continued support in keeping Kansas a national leader in business aviation, and safe airfield operations.” The bipartisan infrastructure law, which has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in the last decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is funded through a combination of new revenues and existing savings. To date, more than $3.2 billion has been invested in Kansas through the bipartisan infrastructure law – from expanding statewide rural broadband access, lead pipe replacements in Olathe, safety initiatives in KCK, and long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County. Issues : Transportation & Infrastructure