New Century AirCenter in Olathe is getting a $13.24 million federal grant to rebuild its primary runway, which has reached the end of its useful life.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the grant to the Johnson County Airport Commission, according to a DOT notice of award dated Monday, Sept. 14. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, who represents Kansas' 3rd Congressional District, announced the funding on Monday, Sept. 21.

The money will pay for reconstruction of 7,339 feet of Runway 18/36, along with new lighting and 16 airfield signs, the DOT notice states. The airport commission operates under Johnson County government, which serves residents across the county, including Overland Park, Leawood and Olathe.

"This grant will replace aging, deteriorating runways with safer, more reliable infrastructure," Davids said in a statement.

Davids, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Aviation Subcommittee, attributed the funding to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure law she backed. Her office said the law has delivered more than $3.2 billion in investments across Kansas.

Bryan Johnson, executive director of the Johnson County Airport Commission, said in a statement that construction is expected to begin in 2027. He said the airport supports more than 96,000 annual operations and houses about 183 aircraft serving corporate, military and general aviation users across the Midwest.

The airport is busy. The commission describes New Century AirCenter as the second-busiest airport in Kansas.

The DOT notice identifies the award as an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant associated with a separate Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) covering the remaining eligible portion of the project. The full funding breakdown between the two federal programs was not detailed in the available documents. Both programs are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Johnson said in his statement that the commission will work with partners to minimize disruptions to tenants and pilots during construction. No public comment period or procurement timeline has been announced.