Improvements coming to short-line rail in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) —  Nearly $16.5 million will go towards the expansion and rehabilitation of 17 short-line railroads across Kansas.

The funding comes from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program. They are matching grants, meaning that each railroad will provide a 30% match.

“These needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,” says Governor Laura Kelly in a news release. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.”

“Rail service lessens the number of trucks that would otherwise be on local roads and Kansas highways, which reduces roadway maintenance and rehabilitation needs,” says Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”

The selected projects are:

Project SponsorProject TypeAwardCimarron Valley Railroad, Ford CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $2,233,946Summit Sustainable Ingredients, Phillips CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $1,436,595South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Cowley CountyMajor rehabilitation $319,802South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Elk CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $1,947,101The Scoular Company, Sherman CountyQualified track maintenance $230,002Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Sedgwick CountyMajor rehabilitation $859,221New Century AirCenter Railroad (JCAX), Johnson CountyMajor rehabilitation $1,400,594Kyle Railroad, Cloud CountyMajor rehabilitation $811,440Viterra USA Grain, Sedgwick CountyMajor rehabilitation $562,332Hutchinson Transportation (HUTX), Reno CountyMajor rehabilitation $586,906Weskan Grain, Scott CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $1,472,240Central Prairie Co-op, Rice CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $880,110Garden City Western Railway, Finney CountyPreservation/Major rehabilitation $695,056Mid-States Materials, Reno CountyExpansion/Capacity improvements $911,826Midway Co-op, Smith CountyMajor rehabilitation $422,835Farmers Co-op, Sumner CountyQualified track maintenance $39,057V&S Railway, Barber/Harper countiesPreservation/Major rehabilitation $1,657,799Total Awarded $16,466,862Chart courtesy Governor Kelly’s Office

The governor’s office says the funds will be used to replace and improve rail lines across the state and increase rail safety, expand the number of cars, increase operating speeds, and reduce truck traffic, improving efficiency.