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RAIL EMPLOYMENT & NOTICES



Rail News Home Short Lines & Regionals

6/19/2026



Rail News: Short Lines & Regionals

Short-line projects: Saskatchewan provides more grants; Kansas DOT seeks funding applicants


The Great Western Railway operates about 380 miles of track in Saskatchewan and interchanges with CPKC in Assiniboia.
Photo – Great Western Railway

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The government of Saskatchewan yesterday announced it will provide CA$1 million for short-line infrastructure projects through the Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP). 

The projects funded through the SRIP  a 50/50 cost-sharing program between the province and short lines — include track upgrades, rehabilitation and expansion work, grade-crossing surface and sightline improvements, and bridge maintenance. Fourteen short lines operate more than 1,300 miles of track in Saskatchewan. 

"Short lines provide a safe and efficient option to move bulk commodities, and that helps protect Saskatchewan highways by reducing wear and tear from vehicles," said Saskatchewan Highways Minister Kim Gartner in a press release. 

The current 2026-27 funding through the SRIP (in Canadian dollars) includes: 

  • $242,675 for the Great Western Railway;
  • $162,584 for Big Sky Rail;
  • $78,088 for the Great Sandhills Railway;
  • $69,279 for Carlton Trail Railway;
  • $54,462 for the Last Mountain Railway;
  • $52,860 for Stewart Southern Railway;
  • $46,052 for Red Coat Road & Rail;
  • $45,000 for Long Creek Railroad;
  • $45,000 for Wheatland Rail;
  • $45,000 for Southern Rails Cooperative;
  • $45,000 for Northern Lights Rail;
  • $45,000 for Torch River Rail;
  • $45,000 for Thunder Rail; and
  • $24,000 for 9961526 Canada Ltd.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced $10 million in funding is available for regional and short-line infrastructure projects through the Rail Service Improvement Program. Funding applications can be submitted starting June 29 and are due Aug. 31. 

In addition to regionals and short lines, port authorities and any owner or lessee of industrial track are qualified to seek funding through the program. 

"The selected projects will help to enhance safety, promote economic efficiency and improve sustainability to the state’s rail network," KDOT officials said in a press release. 

Funding awards are expected to be announced in early 2027. Recipients are required to provide a 30% match of a project's total cost. 

 



Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

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