KDOT awards funding for rail extension at Kansas Logistics Park

The Kansas Department of Transportation has awarded the city of Newton $3.04 million for a rail extension in the Kansas Logistics Park.

The grant will fund the extension from Standridge Color Corp. to Southeast Ninth and Southeast 12th streets. The extended rail line would serve a planned GAF Materials Corp. facility, which will produce roofing materials.

GAF has optioned 230 acres for the new facility at the park. The KDOT funds are contingent upon GAF moving forward with its building plans, KDOT officials said in a press release.

The Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, owned by Watco, serves the park. The short line interchanges with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.