TOPEKA, Kan. — Ten rail infrastructure projects will receive a total of $11.2 million in funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program, the state announced last week.
The projects awarded were selected from 20 applications seeking a total of more than $33.5 million in funding. The projects also will receive more than $5.3 million in local matching funds.
“KDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program represents a true public-private partnership in enhancing Kansas’ rail network,” state Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said in a press release. “The demand for the program and the projects it supports is evident, with KDOT receiving applications for twice as much funding than available.”
Projects selected for 2026 include:
- $2.56 million to the Cimarron Valley Railroad for the Hugoton capacity expansion project in Stevens County.
- $2.06 million to the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad for the Newton GAF siding expansion, to accommodate a projected increase of 8,000 carloads from the GAF shingle production facility in Harvey County.
- $1.7 million to the Kyle Railroad for its Yuma Subdivision rail upgrade project in Cloud County.
- $1.5 million to grain processer Ardent Mills for a rail expansion project in Sedgwick County.
- $1.03 million to the V&S Railway for bridge maintenance in Barber and Harper counties.
- $787,298 to grain transport and processing firm Bartlett for a product loadout track extension in Montgomery County.
- $716,275 to the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad for track upgrades at Chanue Yard in Neosho County.
- $420,000 to the Garden City Western Railroad for phase II of its West Line main track upgrades in Finney County.
- $323,583 to Land Rush Rail for emergency repairs in Sumner County.
- $118,364 to the Kanza Cooperative Association for its Andale rail project in Sedgwick County.
“Investment in rail infrastructure is an investment into the economic success of the entire state,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Rail Service Improvement Program, we’re ensuring that all Kansans can benefit from efficient movement of goods throughout the state.”
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