The Rail Service Improvement Program is for facilitating the financing, acquisition, qualified track maintenance or rehabilitation of railroads and rolling stock in the state of Kansas. Annually, $10 million in funding is available for projects that enhance safety, promote economic efficiency, and sustainability to the state’s rail network.

All state rail projects are managed through the Rail Service Improvement Program, which combines the State Rail Service Improvement Fund (RSIF) and the Short Line Rail Improvement Fund (SLRIF).

Funding

• 70% of eligible project costs will be made available to grantees on a reimbursable basis after expenditures have been deemed allowable, allocable, reasonable, and necessary to the approved project before seeking reimbursement. The grantee will be responsible for the remaining 30% of total project costs.

Eligibility

• Class II or Class III railroads 
• Port authorities in Kansas 
• Owners or lessees of industry tracks adjacent to Class II or III railroads 

Project Requirements

• Maintain Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) track Class I standards for sidings/industrial tracks and Class II for main tracks 
• Support 286,000 lb. railcar capacity 
• Meet FRA and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) guidelines 
• Undergo final inspection by a third-party FRA-qualified track inspector 
• No abandonment of project limits for 10 years post-acceptance 

Selection Criteria

• Safety enhancements 
• Long-term operation support 
• Efficiency in goods movement and logistics 
• Short-term impacts and benefits 
• Economic benefits and competitiveness 
• Local support and investment 
• Job creation and market service 
• Reduction in truck traffic 
• Improved operational efficiency and reliability 
• Long-term viability of the railroad

How to Apply

• Submit applications to KDOT’s Freight and Rail Unit
• Projects must be completed within 12 months unless an extension is granted 
• Financial soundness and commitment of capital or guaranteed rail traffic must be demonstrated 
• Kansas shippers need a Letter of Support from the serving railroad  

Resources

• Rail Service Improvement Program Application (SFY 2025)
• Rail Service Improvement Program Guidelines
• Kansas House Bill 2335 Enrolled

Contact