2025 Legislative Success!
- Deborah Fischer Stout
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Big Win for Passenger Rail in Kansas: Heartland Flyer Extension Gets Legislative Boost!
April 14, 2025
Great news for passenger rail advocates across Kansas and the Midwest: Senate Bill 125 was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly on April 10, 2025, marking a major step forward in funding the Heartland Flyer extension and broader intercity rail service development in Kansas.
What’s in the Bill?
The new legislation, found on pages 242–244 of the bill, gives the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) a powerful tool to support passenger rail:
KDOT has full authority to expend funds without limit using the Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund during FY 2026.
These funds can be used for loans or grants to support the costs of:
Qualifying rail infrastructure projects
Operational support for Amtrak or other common rail carriers recognized by the Federal Railroad Administration
Passenger rail connections to other Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission states, the Midwest Regional Rail System, and the national passenger rail network.
This authorization introduces limitations to K.S.A. 75-5089, (the legislation we helped pass in 2010), with a key caveat: all grants and loans must be approved by the State Finance Council—which can now make decisions even while the Legislature is in session, providing oversight to KDOT’s use of multi-modal funds within the IKE Transportation Plan to build out the Heartland Flyer Extension and any other corridor within a state passenger rail program.
Despite this additional oversight, this legislation shows a renewed legislative commitment to intercity passenger rail service.
$5 Million Kickstart
Also of note: $5 million will be transferred from the State Highway Fund to the Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund on or after July 1, 2025, giving KDOT immediate resources to begin supporting upcoming passenger rail initiatives, such as Corridor ID planning requirements, or future operational support.
This funding is a concrete step toward extending the Heartland Flyer north from Oklahoma City through Kansas and beyond—something the Northern Flyer Alliance and our many partners have long advocated for.
Why This Matters
The Heartland Flyer extension isn’t just about adding trains—it’s about:
Connecting Kansas communities to regional medical centers, airports, business and personal services
Strengthening our economy through tourism and job creation
Expanding transportation choices across the state
Reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact
By linking Kansas to a broader network of intercity rail, this bill helps position the state as a key player in the future of Midwest rail travel.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We’re incredibly grateful to our champions in the Kansas Legislature, to Governor Kelly, and to all of our allies and members who have advocated tirelessly for expanding passenger rail in Kansas.
This is a big milestone—but we’re not done yet. Stay tuned for updates as we continue pushing for the successful implementation of this and the eventual launch of expanded rail service in Kansas.
Onward,
Northern Flyer Alliance, Inc.
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