Kansas Awards $16.5 Million to Short Line Rail Operators
The Kansas Department of Transportation has recently granted approximately $16.5 million to support 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects. The Rail Service Improvement Program funding aims to enhance operating speeds, efficiencies, carload capabilities, safety, and reduce truck traffic on Kansas roads.
Strengthening Kansas through Rail Service
Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed stated that rail service plays a crucial role in reducing the number of trucks on local roads and highways, leading to decreased maintenance and rehabilitation demands. This, in turn, bolsters the state’s infrastructure and opens up new opportunities for economic development in Kansas communities.
The Grant Awardees
Here are some of the recipients of the Rail Service Improvement Program grants:
- Cimarron Valley Railroad received $2.2 million for expansion and capacity improvements in Ford County.
- South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad was awarded $1.9 million for expansion and capacity improvements in Elk County.
- V&S Railway was granted $1.7 million for preservation and major rehabilitation in Barber and Harper counties.
- Weskan Grain received $1.5 million for expansion and capacity improvements in Scott County.
- Summit Sustainable Ingredients was awarded $1.4 million for expansion and capacity improvements in Phillips County.
The Impact
These grants will be matched with a 30 percent contribution by each recipient, further amplifying the positive outcomes. Notably, the Kansas Department of Transportation received over $39 million in funding requests from 26 applicants through the IKE, Kansas’ bipartisan transportation program.
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