The Kansas Department of Transportation recently issued $11.2 million to 10 railroad projects via its Rail Service Improvement Program or RSIP.  

The selected projects, located across 10 counties, enhance the state’s rail network by promoting economic efficiency, supporting sustainability, and addressing critical infrastructure needs.

The agency noted that $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. When combined with local matches, the total rail infrastructure investment exceeds $16.5 million, which includes over $5.3 million in local matching funds, Kansas DOT said.

“Investment in rail infrastructure is an investment into the economic success of the entire state,” noted Governor Laura Kelly (D) in a statement. “Thanks to the Rail Service Improvement Program, we’re ensuring that all Kansans can benefit from efficient movement of goods throughout the state.” 

“[This] program represents a true public-private partnership in enhancing Kansas’ rail network,” added Calvin Reed, secretary of the Kansas DOT. “The demand for the program and the projects it supports is evident, with Kansas DOT receiving applications for twice as much funding than available.” 

Other state departments of transportation also recently issued funding to support various types of rail projects in their respective regions.

For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is investing nearly $53 million in 30 rail freight improvement projects statewide – funded through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. Since 2023, PennDOT has overseen $150 million worth of project investments in the state’s freight rail network, the agency said.

Meanwhile, some $101 million in state funding has been awarded to support 25 projects across New York State; grants that aim to modernize key freight lines and port facilities under the state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program or PFRAP.

PFRAP is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and funds projects that support the safe movement of freight goods, improve service reliability to retain and grow manufacturing jobs, and support economic development.

Further south, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing $16.3 million to help improve freight rail infrastructure on 12 short line railroads and at the Port of Morehead City.

And the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is overseeing nearly $3 million in grant awards to railroads and local governments to finance nine projects for industrial access and railway infrastructure improvement in seven counties statewide; projects that will address rail line expansion and access road construction, as well as signal and lighting upgrades at public crossings.

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