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Union Pacific Railroad announced it's spending about $19 million to upgrade track in Kansas and Wyoming.

To be completed by year's end, a $10 million project calls for improving a 134-mile between Rawlins and Green River, Wyo. The work involves replacing more than 75,000 ties and about two miles of rail in curves, spreading 34,600 tons of ballast and renewing surfaces at 11 grade crossings.

To be completed by mid-December, a more than $9 million project targets work on a line between Menoken and Junction City, Kan. Crews will replace 68,000 ties, spread 29,600 tons of ballast and renew surfaces at 114 crossings.

Both projects are part of UP's $3.6 billion capital spending budget for 2012.

Meanwhile, UP also announced it named Jason Hess vice president-national customer service center to succeed Beth Whited, who was promoted to VP and general manager of chemicals.

Most recently assistant VP of agricultural products, Hess has held various positions during his 18-year UP career.