Stormwater Management Program
Blue River near State Line in Overland Park
Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program supports stormwater management to protect our most valuable resource: water. The program strives to improve water quality in lakes and streams, while also addressing public safety issues by reducing the risk from flooding.
The program partners with the 20 cities in the county to provide stormwater management services by funding projects to reduce flood risk, protect water quality, replace degraded infrastructure and more. To date, the Stormwater Management Program has funded nearly $200 million of stormwater improvement projects in cities.
Vision: To provide safe, healthy and sustainable waterways that benefit the entire community
What does the Stormwater Management Program support?
Sign for a project in Lenexa funded by the Stormwater Management Program
Flood Risk Reduction
The Stormwater Management Program funds projects to reduce the risk of floods, targeting areas at highest risk of flooding. This includes improvements to infrastructure and protection of the natural stream corridor. The program maintains one of the most robust Flood Warning Systems (Stormwatch) in the United States. Stormwatch provides essential information on rainfall and stream height to give residents and emergency managers the tools needed to protect lives and property. Additionally, the program funds a Home Buyout Program aimed at repetitive loss properties and protecting the public from future floods.
Water Quality Improvement & Preservation
The Stormwater Management Program funds plans and projects to improve water quality across the county. This includes restoration of natural vegetation and landcovers, protection of stream corridors and floodplains, as well as an array of green stormwater infrastructure solutions. The program also supports the cities with public education to help inform residents about pollution and water quality. By working with partners to education K-12 students, and managing programs like Contain the Rain, the program works to inform, education and engage as many residents as possible on making Johnson County a cleaner and healthier place to live.
Stormwater System Management & Replacement
The Stormwater Management Program funds and supports projects that renew deteriorated stormwater infrastructure. Through the development of the Stormwater Asset Management Plan, the program works with city partners to fund the planning, inspection, rehabilitation and replacement of stormwater infrastructure. By working with cities and consultants, the program can prioritize assets for replacement that improve safety, service and quality of life across the county.
Funding and Budget
Since the Kansas Legislature approved a 1/10th of one percent sales tax for the purpose of funding stormwater management efforts, Johnson County 's Stormwater Management Program has provided funding for eligible projects in cities.
Dedicated Sales Tax
To date, nearly $200 million of stormwater study, design and construction projects have been, or are currently being completed through the Stormwater Management Program and the cities.
For the 200-plus projects, approximately $150 million has been paid for by the 1/10th of one percent sales tax. On average, the program spends more than 90 percent of the total budget annually to study, design and construct stormwater projects and to fund county and regional stormwater quantity and quality related projects.
Improvements include widening open channels and replacing culverts and bridges, protecting the natural stream corridor and enhancing water quality.
Annual Budget
Program expenditures as approved by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners: