16 Jan KGFA’s Legislative Efforts Introducing and Passing Short Line Rail Improvement Funding Benefit Members for Sixth-Straight Year
Under the recently-restructured Rail Service Improvement Fund Program Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA) introduced and led the charge on passing legislation in 2023, Governor Laura Kelly announced $11.2 million toward 10 rail expansion and rehabilitation projects on Jan. 15, 2026.
As it has the since the program’s inception, KGFA will immediately send the application information for funding to its membership when Kansas Dept. of Transportation opens the application window.
“We are grateful to the Legislature and the administration for recognizing strong rail infrastructure is essential to keeping Kansas agriculture competitive,” said KGFA President and CEO Ron Seeber. “This investment delivers real value for grain shippers across the state, and the revitalized cost-share program continues to prove its worth.”
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.
“Investment in rail infrastructure is an investment into the economic success of the entire state,” Governor 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.”
The selected projects are located across 10 counties. The $11.2 million award represents the program’s $10 million annual funding combined with $1.2 million in carryover funds and loan payments from past projects. KDOT received 20 applications totaling more than $33.5 million in project costs, with funding requests surpassing $23.4 million. From this pool, 10 projects were selected for awards.
Cimarron Valley Railroad, Hugoton Capacity Expansion Project – $2,556,238
Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, KO Newton GAF Siding Expansion – $2,060,178
Kyle Railroad, Kyle Yuma Subdivision Rail Upgrade Project, Phase III – $1,671,566
V&S Railway, V&S Railway Bridge Maintenance – $1,025,017
South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, SKOL Chanute Yard Track Upgrade – $716,274
Garden City Western Railway, GW West Line-Main Track Upgrades, Phase II – $420,000
Land Rush Rail, Land Rush Rail – Emergency Repairs – $323,583
Ardent Mills, Ardent Mills Rail Expansion Project – $1,509,900
Bartlett – Montgomery County, Product Loadout Track Expansion – $787,298
Kanza Cooperative Association, Kanza Coop Andale Rail Project – $118,364