Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz have announced ten projects to improve rail lines and help grain businesses in reaching new markets.
The announcement was made Tuesday at the Gavilon grain elevator in Wichita.
The governor said a total of $7.4 million will be invested in the state’s agricultural infrastructure. That covers $5.2 million from the state’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, and a 30 percent match from each recipient.
Gavilon will receive $280,093, and other recipients include the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, Midland Marketing Cooperative, and the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad. Six projects were awarded to shippers and four went to short line railroads. The projects include rail improvements, the installation of new scales, and siding expansion to increase railcar capacity and car-loading capabilities.
The governor said the improvement projects will connect Kansas grain businesses with new regions and customers, supporting farmers and the agriculture industry. She said the projects will keep the state’s economy moving in the right direction, improve competitiveness, and improve safety.
