Over a dozen Kansas rail projects, including the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, will receive a total of $13 million through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP). According to Kanas Governor Laura Kelly’s Office, the selected projects, located across 16 counties, enhance the state’s rail network by promoting economic efficiency, supporting sustainability and addressing critical infrastructure needs. The $13 million award represents the program’s $10 million annual funding combined with $3 million in carryover funds and loan payments from past projects. Among the selected projects are the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad in Dickinson County An official state heritage railroad, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad experienced a significant rise in ridership through Kansas Tourism’s “Sunflower Summer” program in 2024. The RSIP project will address critical infrastructure improvements in areas where train separation and derailments have occurred in the past. The Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad will receive $471,722 for Kansas Heritage Railroad Preservation Project.
