The bill establishes an intercity passenger rail service program in Kansas, amending K.S.A. 75-5089 to authorize the secretary of transportation to implement this program. The secretary is empowered to enter into agreements with Amtrak and other rail operators to develop passenger rail services, provide assistance to local jurisdictions for station development, and offer loans or grants for various rail-related improvements. The bill also creates a passenger rail service revolving fund, from which the secretary can make loans or grants to support the restoration and construction of rail infrastructure, as well as the initiation and operation of passenger rail services.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the secretary of transportation report annually on the development and operation of the passenger rail service program and the midwest regional rail system. It specifies that starting July 1, 2026, and annually through July 1, 2029, $5,000,000 will be transferred from various state funds to the passenger rail service revolving fund to support the program. The existing section of K.S.A. 75-5089 is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-5089