Support is growing for extending the passenger rail service from Oklahoma to Kansas City.
The city of Arkansas City, Kansas recently voted in support of a resolution urging the creation of such a route and extending Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City north to Newton and into Kansas City.
“The spectacular turnout of more than 300 Ark City-area residents on the morning of June 9, 2017 to witness the arrival of a special Amtrak inspection train demonstrates continued and dramatic interest in, and excitement and support for, the restoration of passenger rail to Arkansas City, Kansas,” stated the resolution approved last month.
“We are pleased to see cities stand up for their interests,” said Evan Stair with Passenger Rail OK.
In a recent announcement, Stair said the city of Lawton plans to take part in a passenger rail service study. Representatives Monroe Nichols and Forrest Bennett also plan to hold an interim study on the subject. It will be held Sept 6 at 9 a.m. at the state capitol.
The study will review the events of the past 5 years, funding options and recent activity concerning developments in passenger rail expansion to Wichita and benefits of such to the state’s economy.
Listen to Evan Stair’s comments in interview with Jerry Bohnen.
