In cooperation with the Cimarron Valley Railroad (CVR), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for auxiliary power units on the CVR’s seven locomotives. The Diesel Reduction Fuel Act (DERA) grant award is $127,536, and CVR is contributing $191,305 in matching funds.

“KDOT looks forward to partnering with the Cimarron Valley Railroad so these federal funds have a positive impact on commerce while keeping Kansas skies clear and clean,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz.

The auxiliary power units on the locomotives will reduce idling hours, which has several benefits:

• Reduction of pollutants and fine particulate matters along the rail freight transportation corridor;
• Diesel fuel savings;
• Improved railroad operating efficiencies;
• Enhanced ambient air quality to the communities along the rail line.

“This is the first EPA grant KDOT has received for modifying rail locomotives,” said KDOT Freight Manager John Maddox. “We look forward to working with the Cimarron Valley Railroad and the EPA to improve air quality along the rail line and operating efficiencies for the railroad.”

KDOT and the CVR will work together to coordinate activities. Installation of the units is slated to begin in October and will take about 90 days. The units will be operated for the life of the locomotives. CVR is located primarily in southwest Kansas and operates more than 186 track miles extending into Oklahoma and Colorado. The railroad interchanges with the BNSF Railway in Dodge City. CVR is owned by Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC, based out of Joplin, Missouri.

“The Cimarron Valley Railroad appreciates the opportunity to build on our long-term partnership with KDOT through this innovative and groundbreaking grant award by EPA under the DERA program,” said Bruce Carswell, Senior Vice President. “We are excited to be able to reduce the emissions footprint of CVR’s locomotives, which will benefit our neighboring communities in southwest Kansas.”

The project is part of the EPA’s strategic plan for a cleaner, healthier environment.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Communications Division, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.