The Kansas Department of Transportation will receive $500 thousand from the federal government to support a development plan for passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Newton.
The Heartland Flyer rail extension would include new stops in Edmond, Perry and Ponca City, Oklahoma and Arkansas City, Wichita and Newton.
Governor Laura Kelly said the service would further connect Kansans to Oklahoma City and north central Texas, unlocking business, educational, and cultural opportunities.
Work on the plans has already begun and should be finalized by spring.
KDOT believes the service will start in six years but others are hopeful it will start in half that time.
A study completed in 2020 revealed the price tag for the service would be roughly $124 million, but that figure is expected to be higher now due to inflation.
The plan is part of $8.2 billion in federal funding for passenger rail service.