Federal lobbyist reports $3M ARC 95 earmark, warns Homeland Security earmarks at risk

Jim Davenport, Sedgwick County’s federal lobbyist, briefed commissioners on a set of congressional directed spending requests and other federal priorities, reporting one confirmed allocation and warning of risk to others as Congress negotiates appropriations.

Davenport said the county secured a $3 million allocation for the ARC 95 project through Senator Jerry Moran’s efforts; the award will flow through the Kansas Department of Transportation. "That bill just passed... I'll help the staff navigate how that money will eventually come to the county," Davenport said.

He also described a $2 million request for the county’s emergency operations center included in the Homeland Security appropriations bill for fiscal 2026 but warned the bill’s partisan controversies could push it into a continuing resolution, which historically causes earmarks to fall out. "I'm not feeling good about the bill passing... the earmarks usually fall out," Davenport said.

Davenport highlighted additional local priorities: the 151st Street West reconstruction (design to widen shoulders, improve drainage and accommodate heavy truck traffic serving a local ethanol plant, estimated at about $4–4.5 million) and ongoing coordination on an Amtrak extension with KDOT and the Federal Railroad Administration. He said congressional offices most receptive to earmarks for the county include Senator Moran’s office; other members of the delegation did not pursue earmarks this cycle.

Commissioners raised water-conservation studies and funding avenues; Davenport recommended exploring the Bureau of Reclamation feasibility studies, EPA grants, WIFIA loans and possible earmarks and offered to follow up on study opportunities.

Next steps: Davenport will coordinate with county staff and congressional offices on project submissions and timing; staff will work with him on models for how confirmed appropriations will flow through state agencies.