Johnson County's Airport Vote: What's The Verdict?

Johnson County, Kansas, is home to two airports: Johnson County Executive Airport and New Century AirCenter. The Johnson County Executive Airport, located in the heart of the county's economic belt, is the choice for many corporate, business, and general aviation users. It is the fourth busiest towered airport in the state of Kansas. The New Century Air Center, on the other hand, contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy. With a higher FAA designation, both airports will receive better rankings for federal Airport Improvement Program funding and an increase in federal non-primary entitlement funding. In November 2024, Johnson County voters were faced with a $30 million conservation bond ballot initiative, which was approved with 78% of the vote.

Johnson County Executive Airport's history and location

Johnson County Executive Airport, originally named Morse Field, was constructed in the early 1940s as a Naval auxiliary field during World War II in support of the Olathe Naval Air Station, now known as the New Century AirCenter. The airport was deeded to the City of Olathe in 1951 and then to Johnson County in 1967. At that time, the Board of County Commissioners established the Johnson County Airport Commission to manage, operate, and enhance the airport.

The airport is located at 151st Street and Pflumm Road, between the cities of Olathe and Overland Park, Kansas, in the heart of Johnson County's economic belt. It is the preferred choice for many corporate, business, and general aviation users. The airport covers 568 acres of land and has a 4,097-foot single runway, parallel taxiways, a Federal contract air traffic control tower, and medium-intensity airfield lighting. Localizer/DME approaches are available from both the north and south.

Johnson County Executive Airport is one of the two air transportation facilities managed by the Airport Commission, which also operates a multi-tenant, multi-modal commerce center that includes a short-line railroad and water distribution system. These assets contribute significantly to the economic vitality and high quality of life in Johnson County.

The airport has seen continuous improvements over the years, including the construction and realignment of various taxiways, the replacement of hangars, and ongoing plans for further enhancements. According to the County Economic Research Institute, the New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy.

Johnson County Airport Commission's role

The Johnson County Airport Commission operates two of Kansas' busiest airports: New Century AirCenter in New Century, and Executive Airport in Olathe. The Commission is also responsible for a 1,000-acre industrial park with over 60 businesses and organisations, employing nearly 5,000 people. In addition, the Commission manages a six-mile rail system and a water system that distributes around 250-300 million gallons of water annually.

The Johnson County Executive Airport is located four miles southeast of Olathe's central business district. It covers 568 acres of land and has one runway and one helipad. It is the fourth busiest airport in Kansas, with around 36,931 aircraft operations in the year ending August 31, 2018. The airport was originally constructed as a naval auxiliary field during World War II and was deeded to Johnson County in 1967. At that time, the Board of County Commissioners established the Johnson County Airport Commission to manage, operate and improve the airport.

The Commission has approved several improvement projects for the airport, including the reconstruction of the Kilo and Lima hangars, the realignment of several taxiways, and the replacement of several west side hangars.

The New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy, according to a study by the County Economic Research Institute. The Johnson County Airport Commission plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these airports, as well as contributing to Johnson County's economic growth and high quality of life.

The Commission has a dedicated staff, including an Executive Director, a Deputy Director, a Finance Manager, and various supervisors for airport, rail, and water operations. Each staff member has specific responsibilities, such as providing direction and leadership, overseeing financial functions, and managing day-to-day maintenance operations.

Johnson County's early and satellite voting locations

Johnson County, Iowa, offers a variety of resources for its residents, including information about upcoming elections and voting locations. The county provides early and satellite voting options to make it more convenient for residents to cast their votes.

For the November 5, 2024, General Election, the Johnson County Auditor's Office announced several satellite voting sites. Early voting began on Wednesday, October 16, and continued on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm until Monday, November 4. Residents could also take advantage of extended early voting hours on select days.

• Johnson County Administration Building lobby, 913 S Dubuque St., Iowa City (weekdays, 8 am–5 pm, through Nov 4)
• Drive-thru voting at Johnson County Health and Human Services Building Parking Ramp, 855 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City (weekdays, 8 am–5 pm, through Nov 4)
• Evening voting on Oct 30 from 8 am to 7 pm at the auditor's office or parking ramp
• Weekend voting on Nov 2 (9 am–5 pm) and Nov 3 (12 pm–5 pm) at the auditor's office or parking ramp
• Satellite voting locations in the Iowa City metro area, including the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., on Oct 30
• University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) Medical Center: Oct 21–23 (9 am–3 pm)

Remember to check official sources for the most up-to-date information on voting locations and hours, as some sites may be removed from the list once the voting date has passed. Johnson County provides resources to help residents find polling places, sample ballots, and other election-related information.

Johnson County's economic impact from airports

Johnson County, Kansas, operates two air transportation facilities: the New Century AirCenter and the Johnson County Executive Airport. The former was constructed in the early 1940s as a Naval auxiliary field during World War II, in support of the Olathe Naval Air Station. The latter is located between the cities of Olathe and Overland Park and is the fourth busiest towered airport in the state of Kansas, with over 40,000 annual operations and approximately 120 based aircraft. Both airports are managed by the Johnson County Airport Commission, which was created by the Board of County Commissioners in 1967.

The New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy, according to a study by the County Economic Research Institute. The Johnson County Executive Airport is also undergoing improvements, with the reconstruction of the Kilo and Lima hangars set to begin in 2024. The increased traffic and higher FAA designation will lead to better rankings for federal Airport Improvement Program funding and an increase in federal non-primary entitlement funding.

The two airports serve the aviation needs of the region and contribute to Johnson County's economic vitality and high quality of life. They provide efficient and accessible air transportation, supporting various sectors, including corporate, business, and general aviation users. The airports also offer additional services such as air charter, aircraft sales, and flight instruction.

While the exact figures for the total economic impact of the airports on Johnson County are not readily available, the significant contributions of the New Century AirCenter and the strategic assets of the air transportation facilities indicate a substantial positive impact on the local and regional economy.

Johnson County Airport's infrastructure improvements

Johnson County, Kansas, is served by two airports: New Century AirCenter and Johnson County Executive Airport. Both airports have seen significant infrastructure improvements in recent years, with more planned for the future.

New Century AirCenter

The New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy, according to a study by the County Economic Research Institute. It is on track to hit 82,000 takeoffs and landings in 2022, reflecting the improving quality of infrastructure. The airport has moved to a higher FAA designation, which will provide better rankings for federal Airport Improvement Program funding and an increase in federal non-primary entitlement funding.

Johnson County Executive Airport

The Johnson County Executive Airport, located four miles southeast of the central business district of Olathe, is the fourth busiest towered airport in Kansas, with over 40,000 annual operations and approximately 120 based aircraft. The airport has also seen an increase in traffic in recent years, with 36,931 aircraft operations in the twelve months ending August 31, 2018, an average of 101 per day.

Infrastructure improvements at the airport have included the reconstruction of the Kilo and Lima hangars, with the west side hangars K & L replaced in 2024, and hangars M & N scheduled for replacement in 2025. The Taxiway Alpha was constructed between 2021 and 2022, and the newly renovated Taxiway Bravo was completed in 2023, which included the realignment of Taxiways Charlie and Delta and the removal of Taxiway Echo.

These infrastructure improvements are essential for the safety of the airports and the economic development and future job growth of the county.

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