Gracie WarhurstThe state of Kansas will allocate almost $16.5 million for 17 short line rail projects that will expand and rehabilitate the rail lines to improve agricultural supply chain operations.
The investments, available through the Kansas DOT Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP), will help increase rail capacity and address any damaged or aging track. The improvements will help maintain the economic contribution of rural Kansas, which relies on agricultural sector to compete in outside 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,” Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said in a statement. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”
Selected projects will contribute a 30% match to their awards, bringing the total rail funding to more than $23.5 million. The Cimarron Valley Railroad in Ford County will receive the largest individual award of $2.2 million for expansion and capacity improvements.
Among the remaining 16 projects:
- V&S Railway in Barber and Harper counties will receive $1.6 million.
- Weskan Grain in Scott County will receive $1.4 million.
- Summit Sustainable Ingredients in Phillips County will receive $1.4 million.
- New Century AirCenter Railroad in Johnson County will receive $1.4 million.
Photo by Ken J. Ward
