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Last week, the Watco Cos. Inc. received the Southeast Regional Service Division award from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing.

The award recognizes Watco’s community support, including the short-line holding company’s partnership with historical railroad preservation group Heart of the Heartlands to provide nostalgic train rides, and educate the public on railroading and safety.

The department also honored Watco for helping establish the Port of Pittsburg, Kan., in 2002.

Watco — which owns 12 short lines operating in 19 states — previously received the department’s Award of Merit in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and Regional Achievement Award in 2003. Earlier this month, the company received the 2005 Kansas Governor’s Award of Excellence.