KGFA’s Legislative Efforts Introducing and Passing Short Line Rail Improvement Funding Benefit Members for Fourth-Straight Year

20 Feb KGFA’s Legislative Efforts Introducing and Passing Short Line Rail Improvement Funding Benefit Members for Fourth-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 nearly $16.5 million toward 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects on Feb. 20, 2024.

“We are incredibly pleased to see our state legislature and administration authorize nearly $16.5 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 needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.”

State funding for the 17 projects will be enhanced by a 30 percent match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $23.5 million. The program received 26 applications requesting more than $39 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program.