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KDOT to Host Short Line Railroad Meetings

July 21, 2005 (05-151)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KDOT to Host Short Line Railroad Meetings

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will sponsor two public information open houses in August for people interested in short line railroad service in Kansas. The purpose of the open houses is to review the progress of the six-month Short Line Railroad Study being conducted by the consulting firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff for KDOT.

The purpose of the Short Line Rail Study is to evaluate the effectiveness of KDOT’s Short Line Railroad loan/grant program, which has been in effect since 1999. Through the program, KDOT provides $3 million per year to short line railroads in Kansas to upgrade their tracks to provide more efficient rail service within the state.

The open houses are scheduled for the following locations:

• Phillipsburg
• Tuesday, August 2, 2005
  3-7 p.m.
  McDill "Huck" Boyd Community Center
  860 Park Street
• Wichita
• Wednesday, August 3, 2005
  3-7 p.m.
  Hughes Metro-Plex
  Near the corner of 29th and Oliver
  Use door "D" on the east side of the building

Representatives from KDOT and Parsons Brinckerhoff will be available to discuss the study and short line railroad issues, as well as to answer questions. There will be displays available, including maps and graphics. There will also be a brief presentation at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

For more information about the open houses, people are invited to contact John Maddox, KDOT’s Rail Affairs Manager, at (785) 296-3228 or toll-free at 1-877-550-5368.

Bill Pollock, president of the US-69 Highway Association of Kansas that has advocated for an improved highway for decades, said the entire project will enhance safety, stimulate economic growth and bolster population.

The open house locations are ADA accessible. Persons in need of a sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device, large print or Braille material, or other accommodation to attend this meeting, should notify KDOT at least one week prior to the open house. Address requests to Ron Kaufman, Bureau of Public Involvement, Kansas Department of Transportation, 700 SW Harrison, 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or contact by phone 785-296-3585 (voice or TTY) or toll-free at 1-877-550-5368 (voice only).

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