Kansas issues first round of Short Line Rail Fund grants

Kansas state officials yesterday announced the 13 recipients of $5 million in grants awarded through the state's new Short Line Rail Improvement Fund program.

Four grants were awarded to short lines and nine to shippers. The program is a partnership between the public and private sector; applicants are required to provide 30 percent in matching funds.

This year's selected projects will improve and/or construct nearly 15 miles of track, totaling a $7 million investment, state officials said in a press release.

The four short-line applicants, projects and grant awards are:
• Cimarron Valley Railroad, rail replacement and bridges, $1.1 million;
• New Century Air Center Railroad, major rehabilitation, $256,163;
• South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, rail replacement, $417,591; and
• V&S Railway, rail yard rehabilitation, $674,407.

Projects were selected based on long-term impact on rail operations, economic competitiveness and safety; enhanced goods movement and logistical improvements; job creation and the ability to expand currently served markets; and enhanced efficiency of rail operations and the reliability of the affected railroad.

The fund was created under Gov. Laura Kelly's Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program. It provides $5 million annually for three years.