Kansas issues short-line funding program grants to 10 projects

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz yesterday identified 10 rail-related projects that will receive more than $5.2 million in grants through the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Short Line Rail Improvement Fund program.

Six grants were awarded to rail shippers and four grants were awarded to short lines. All of the projects will result in less wear and tear on Kansas roadways and bridges, Kelly said in a press release. The state funding will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient.

"These ten improvement projects will connect Kansas grain businesses with new regions and customers, supporting farmers and our agriculture industry," said Kelly.

The largest grants include:
• $1.95 million to Bartlett Grain for a siding expansion;
• $700,000 to the Kyle Railroad for a rail relay and ballast renewal project;
• $535,782 to the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad for a grade crossing rehab project;
• $513,719 to Hutchinson Transportation to replace rail and add ballast;
• $467,509 to Midland Marketing Cooperative to rehab and extend a siding; and
• $421,971 to the Central Valley Ag Cooperative to rehab and extend a siding.

The state also granted $280,093 to Gavilon Grain to replace rail on a siding, $182,593 to Scoular Grain Downs to extend a siding and switches, $114,725 to the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad for rail-car shop work and $56,000 to Kirk Grain for new scales.

KDOT had received 19 applications requesting more than $21 million in the second year of the three-year Short Line Rail Improvement Fund program, which provides $5 million annually.