The Kansas Department of Transportation recently awarded nearly $16.5 million in Rail Service Improvement Program funding to 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects.
The program funds projects that increase operating speeds, improve operating efficiencies, expand carload capabilities, enhance safety, and reduce truck traffic. Grants were awarded between $39,057 and $2.2 million.
“Rail service lessens the number of trucks that would otherwise be on local roads and Kansas highways, which reduces roadway maintenance and rehabilitation needs,” Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”
Each recipient will provide a 30 percent match.
Twenty-six applicants requested more than $39 million through IKE, Kansas’ 10-year bipartisan transportation program.
Grant awardees include:
Cimarron Valley Railroad was awarded $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 awarded $1.7 million for preservation and major rehabilitation in Barber and Harper counties.
Weskan Grain was awarded $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.