18 Dec KGFA’s Legislative Efforts Introducing and Passing Short Line Rail Improvement Funding Benefit Members for Fifth-Straight Year
Under the newly-restructured Rail Service Improvement Fund Program Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA) introduced and led the charge on passing legislatively in 2023, Governor Laura Kelly announced $13 million toward 14 rail expansion and rehabilitation projects on Dec. 18, 2024.
As it has the since the program’s inception, KGFA will immediately send the application information for 2026 to its membership when Kansas Dept. of Transportation opens the application window.
“We are incredibly pleased to see our state legislature and administration authorize $13 million in support of our members and their need for reliable, safe and enhanced rail transportation,” KGFA President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “The cost-share program has been a tremendous asset to grain shippers for several years and due to our members’ and our legislative team’s hard work revamping the program in 2023, we look forward to the grant partnership continuing for the foreseeable future.”
Recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies.
“These projects reflect the diverse needs faced by our Kansas communities and rail operators,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By bolstering the state’s rail network, we will promote economic opportunity throughout Kansas.” State funding for the projects will be enhanced by a 30 percent match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $18 million. The program received 22 applications requesting more than $33.1 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program.
Award Recipients for State Fiscal Year 2025
Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad
Kansas Heritage Railroad Preservation
$471,722
Cimarron Valley Railroad
Hugoton to Satanta Rail Upgrade Phase I
$420,000
Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad
Timber Bridge Conversion Fill on Pipe
$724,185
KYLE Railroad
Phillipsburg Yard Rehabilitation Project
$1,320,264
KYLE Railroad
Yuma Sub Rail Replacement Phase II
$1,185,783
South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad
Cherryvale Interlocker Upgrade
$420,000
South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad
Fall River Curve Upgrade
$1,057,952
Cornejo & Sons
Cornejo Materials Rail Service Improvement Projects
$389,484
Seaboard Energy
Seaboard Energy Hugoton Rail Expansion
$2,170,000
Seaboard Foods
Hugoton Feed Mill Rail Expansion
$525,169
Skyland Grain
Expanded Local Moves on Shortline
$700,000
Weskan Grain
Weskan Grain Additional Industry Loading Tracks
$700,000