WICHTA, Kan. (AP) The state of Kansas and Wichita are seeking a federal grant to move up plans to extend rail passenger service between Wichita and Oklahoma City.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the state and the city of Wichita are asking for $12.7 million in federal grant funding to complete planning for the possible extension of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer line to Wichita and nearby Newton. The project would then connect the Wichita area with the Southwest Chief line, closing a 185-mile service gap from Oklahoma City to Wichita.
The grant project includes $3 million in matching funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation that are contingent on $2.3 million in matching funds from Oklahoma.
A decision on the grant is expected in about three months.
