Over $300,000 in Kansas Department of Transportation funds is coming to Cowley County for short line rail rehabilitation.
According to a news release from the governor’s office Tuesday, South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad’s application for funds was approved for $319,802 for what Topeka labeled as “major rehabilitation” work for short line rail in the county.
Farmers Co-Op in Sumner County will receive $39,057 for qualified track maintenance.
Overall, 17 applications across the state were approved totaling nearly $16.5 million via KDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program.
“These needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.”
RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement, the governor’s office said. 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.
“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.”
Selected projects through the RSIP for State Fiscal Year 2024:
