Johnson County, Kansas, will invest $43.8 million in roadway and stormwater improvements for 2026, split between $18.8 million for the County Assistance Road System (CARS) and $25 million for the Stormwater Management Program (SMP).
CARS is funded by gas tax revenue and county general funds. It pays up to 50 percent of eligible construction and inspection costs; municipalities handle design, utility relocation and other costs. Since their inception, the two programs have together invested more than $780 million in local infrastructure.
In 2026, 13 cities will receive funding. The work includes road and ditch maintenance, widening, curbs and bridges, and adding ADA-compliant sidewalks, bike paths and lighting.
The SMP supports about 19 projects in 2026. It is backed by a dedicated 0.1% sales tax approved by the Kansas Legislature and the Johnson County Commission. The funds are earmarked for stormwater management, flood control, planning and capital improvements, allowing the county to match up to 50% of eligible stormwater design and construction costs.
Among the notable projects are Upper Turkey Creek in Merriam, which will receive $1.5 million from the county and $500,000 in city funds for 2026. Though the nearly $12 million project involves a multi-year scope that may involve much larger sums, and Rock Creek improvements.
Johnson County is located adjacent to Kansas City and includes many of its suburban communities.
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