Kansas short line railways granted $16.5 million

Gov. Laura Kelly has announced nearly $16.5 million has been awarded for short line rail projects to improve the agricultural supply chain in Kansas.

RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies.  

State funding for the 17 projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $23.5 million. The program received 26 applications requesting more than $39 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program. 

Projects include Cimarron Valley Railroad, Ford County, expansion and capacity improvements, $2.23 million; Summit Sustainable Ingredients, Phillips County, expansion and capacity improvements, $1.43 million; South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Cowley County, major rehabilitation, $319,800; South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Elk County, expansion and capacity improvements, $1.95 million; and Scoular Company, Sherman County, qualified track maintenance, $230,000.

Also, Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, Sedgwick County, major rehabilitation, $859,200; New Century AirCenter Railroad, Johnson County, major rehabilitation, $1.4 million; Kyle Railroad, Cloud County, major rehabilitation, $811,400; Viterra USA Grain, Sedgwick County, major rehabilitation, $562,300; Hutchinson Transportation, Reno County, major rehabilitation, $587,000; and Weskan Grain, Scott County, expansion and capacity improvements, $1.47 million.

Also, Central Prairie Co-op, Rice County, expansion and capacity improvements, $880,000; Garden City Western Railway, Finney County, preservation and major rehabilitation, $695,000; Mid-States Materials, Reno County, expansion and capacity improvements, $911,800; Midway Co-op, Smith County, major rehabilitation, $422,800; Farmers Co-op, Sumner County, qualified track maintenance, $39,000; and V&S Railway, Barber and Harper counties, preservation and major rehabilitation, $1.66 million.