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Board accepts $2 million CMAQ grant to pilot transit links to KCI for 2026; $600,000 local match expected
Summary
Johnson County commissioners voted Feb. 13 to accept a $2,000,000 FHWA CMAQ grant to pilot transit connections between Kansas City International Airport, Lenexa City Center and the Overland Park Convention Center, with a $600,000 local match; the vote was 7–0.
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted on Feb. 13 to accept $2,000,000 in funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program to pilot transit service connecting Kansas City International Airport (KCI) with Lenexa City Center and the Overland Park Convention Center.
The grant requires a $600,000 local match; staff said partners are expected to participate and that Johnson County Transit anticipates covering $200,000 of the local match. The grant was described as reimbursement-based: the county incurs eligible costs and is reimbursed by federal funds.
Josh Powers, Johnson County Transit, said the CMAQ program is a long-standing source of funding administered through the Mid-America Regional Council and that accepting the grant at this stage preserves flexibility to build partnerships, to decline funding if the board’s policy preferences change, or to reprogram funds into the CMAQ program.
Public commenters and several commissioners raised questions about the certainty of federal funding, the risk that grants could be rescinded, and whether the service should be fare-free. Commissioner Ashcraft asked that the board schedule a policy discussion on fares and revenue offsets; Chairman Mike Kelly and transit staff said fare policy is part of the transit strategic plan and that discussions are already scheduled in that process.
Commissioner Hanslick moved acceptance of the CMAQ funds; Commissioner Myers seconded. The clerk called roll and recorded seven votes in favor, none opposed. The board authorized staff to accept the grant and continue negotiations with partner agencies and private parties on service design and match funding.
Staff said they will continue outreach to potential partners, refine operational plans for the 2026 World Cup period and beyond, and return to the board with fare and partner agreements as those elements are firmed up.
