Commission authorizes application for $146 million rail project

Rail design plans include First Avenue closure and Second Avenue underpass

City seeks state funds to cover rail project costs

Levee hydrology data shows reduced flood risks

Commission approves contract for new sewer line to replace 1940s infrastructure

New water wells to support north zone and industrial needs

Dozens apply for city advisory boards

Commission authorizes application for $146 million rail project

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to apply for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant to fund a project estimated at just under $146 million. Aimed at alleviating downtown congestion caused by blocked railroad crossings, the proposal requires a 20 percent non-federal match. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman noted that while the city has previously applied unsuccessfully for similar funding three times, the current application is strengthened because the Southwest Chief line running through Dodge City qualifies as an eligible intercity passenger rail route.

Rail design plans include First Avenue closure and Second Avenue underpass

DODGE CITY, Kan. — As part of the new grant application for downtown rail improvements, city staff revealed significant changes to local traffic patterns, including a recommendation to remove the at-grade crossing at First Avenue entirely. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman explained that the city plans to construct a road underpass at the Second Avenue crossing in exchange, noting that eliminating the First Avenue crossing was a strategic move to secure greater financial support from BNSF Railway by providing them with operational benefits. Design work for the project is expected to be completed in 2029, with construction scheduled to follow three years later.

City seeks state funds to cover rail project costs

DODGE CITY, Kan. — To meet the required 20 percent non-federal match for the proposed railroad project, officials are relying heavily on outside funding sources, including an application for the maximum $20 million available from the Build Kansas Fund. BNSF Railway has also committed to contributing $3 million toward the project. If the state funds are awarded, the city's remaining obligation would be approximately $6.2 million, which officials indicated could be funded through street sales tax or bonding.

Levee hydrology data shows reduced flood risks

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Updated hydrology data regarding the Arkansas River has led to a favorable revision in the city's flood mitigation requirements, with base flood elevation flow rates dropping effectively in half from 52,000 to 26,000 cubic feet per second. During a presentation on a contract amendment for levee certification, officials noted this reduction allows the city to lower the height of required gap closures at crossings like Second Avenue by nearly four feet, significantly reducing the materials needed for emergency flood prevention.

Commission approves contract for new sewer line to replace 1940s infrastructure

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $325,800 contract with Professional Engineering Consultants for the design of a 30-inch parallel sanitary sewer interceptor line. Director of Engineering Services Ray Slattery reported that the existing 27-inch line, constructed of vitrified clay in the 1940s, currently carries approximately 90 percent of the city's sanitary sewer flow and lacks redundancy. The new line will run parallel to the existing infrastructure along the north bank of the river, providing a critical backup system to prevent potential failures in the aging pipe.

New water wells to support north zone and industrial needs

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission authorized a $637,900 contract with Professional Engineering Consultants for the design and construction administration of two new municipal water wells. One well will be located near the North Reclamation facility to support housing development in the north pressure zone, while the second well, located south of town, will utilize recently acquired water rights to supplement the south zone. The project aims to add significant capacity to the city's water supply system.

Dozens apply for city advisory boards

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission approved the 2026 roster of appointments for various city advisory boards and commissions following a successful recruitment drive that yielded 46 applications. Public Information Officer Collin Clark reported that positions were filled across multiple bodies, including the Airport Advisory Board, Planning Commission, and Housing Authority Board, following a new requirement that incumbents seeking reappointment must submit fresh applications.

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