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Hi John.
This is an exciting time for the Kansas Third District! We have a lot of work to do – but our local economy is on the move.
In case you missed it, Panasonic is building a groundbreaking electric vehicle battery plant in Johnson County. I was honored to work closely with Governor Kelly, and leaders in both parties like Senator Jerry Moran, to help attract this $4 billion investment to our region.
This facility is a game changer for the Kansas Third District – supporting more than 20,000 jobs.
I’m doing everything I can to make sure the federal government is an active partner in moving this project forward. One of the key ways I can do that is by convening national, regional, and local stakeholders to keep things on track.
That’s why I recently helped bring U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to the Kansas Third District.
Together, we saw the Panasonic Energy manufacturing plant site and got a firsthand update on its progress. The planned facility is state-of-the-art and one of the largest of its kind. It’ll create and supply lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric vehicle innovation on a global scale.
The Kansas Department of Commerce estimates more than 20,000 jobs will be created because of the Panasonic facility. That’s 4,000 new jobs, 16,500 construction jobs, and 4,000 supplier and community business jobs.
And earlier that day, we were both pleased to see the new Kansas City International Airport terminal.
The new terminal adds 39 new gates and supports more efficient airline operations.
As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m gratified to see how we’re continuing to modernize our local economy.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped pass, for example, is contributing to 63 highway improvement projects across the Kansas Third District. But more than numbers, it’s important to me to see and understand how these projects are being implemented on the ground.
That’s why I also recently worked a “Sharice’s Shift” with Clarkson Construction Company to highlight the impact and implementation of the new infrastructure law.
I was glad to shadow workers at the K-10 Lexington Avenue exit, which will be the main roadway for Kansans traveling to the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility.
I helped with potholing for utilities, a non-destructive digging process that uses vacuum excavation to dig precision holes to expose utility lines. Along with the federally-funded K-10 / Lexington Avenue bridge upgrades, this project will support increased traffic as the area prepares for the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility and surrounding development.
But we have to build more than just roads alone to ensure our communities keep growing in a more sustainable way, especially with Panasonic and other projects just over the horizon.
That’s why I was glad to also help secure federal resources for the Gardner Wastewater Infrastructure Project. This will help upgrade essential water infrastructure to support residential and commercial development.
Click below to see a quick video to learn more about this project and how it’s making a difference >>
Many folks don’t realize it, but Gardner is on track to be the fastest growing city in Johnson County through 2030!
The city is currently positioning itself for new residential construction given its proximity to the new Panasonic plant. They’re also planning for commercial expansion at New Century Business Park and Logistics Park Kansas City Intermodal.
Unfortunately, however, the city’s current wastewater system operates at near 90% capacity. This makes it all the more important to make key infrastructure upgrades now, and that’s exactly what the Gardner Wastewater Infrastructure Project will help do.
In addition, more support for affordable housing is coming to Kansas so our region can keep supporting working families.
These are the kinds of investments that we need to build a better future – with more jobs and lower prices. And the good news is we’re doing it in a bipartisan way that’s conscious of our federal budget. For example, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is fiscally responsible – and I’m going to keep pushing for concrete and bipartisan solutions to build an economy that works for everyone.
It’s an honor and a privilege to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you have any questions or would like to share your views, please feel free to contact me.
My warmest regards,
Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress
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Remember, if you ever need help right away with the federal government – anything from backlogged veterans’ benefits to stalled tax refunds – please contact my office in Overland Park at (913) 621-0832. You’re also welcome to contact my office to share your concerns on any issue.
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