Funding available for projects in KDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program

An estimated $10 million in funding is available for projects submitted to the Rail Service Improvement Program, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The selected projects will help to enhance safety, promote economic efficiency and improve sustainability to the state's rail network.

Projects for the rail program can be submitted starting June 29, and the submission deadline is noon on Aug. 31. Awards are scheduled to be announced in early 2027. Applicants are required to provide a 30% match of the total project cost. There are no minimum or maximum project award amounts. A link to the application portal can be found on KDOT's website: https://www.ksdot.gov/programs/multimodal-programs/rail-service-improvement-program.

Qualified entities include any Surface Transportation Board certified Class II or Class III railroad, a port authority established in accordance with Kansas laws, any entity meeting the rules and regulations established by K.S.A. 75-5050 or any owner or lessee industry track as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 218.93 and located on or adjacent to a Class II or Class III railroad in the state of Kansas.

For more information on program details, contact Michael Espinoza, KDOT Freight and Rail Program Manager, at (785) 296-3228 or [email protected].

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