THE ISSUE: Grant application to improve rail in this area.
OUR STANCE: It serves a critical need to the area’s economy.
Submission of a grant application for railroad improvements between Shawnee and Oklahoma City and for the line running north of the city signals that Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials recognize its importance to this area.
Much of the 32.3 miles of line connecting Oklahoma City to Shawnee and the 8.9 miles of line running north of town have caused major consternation for several local industries, the lessee who operates those lines and city officials. This is because of the condition of sections of the track, especially those areas which cross over the North Canadian River where speed has been restricted at times due to heavy rains and erosion.
Upgrading the line between here and Oklahoma City is critical to some of the local industries, among them Shawnee Milling Co., Exxon Mobil, Ball Pipe and Supply, Norwesco, TDK Ferrites, and Vanguard Stimulation Services. Twice during the summer of 2007, once in June, and again in August of that year, heavy rains severely damaged the lines, impacting at the time all of those industries except Vanguard, which didn’t begin operations here until 2008.
Dan Overland, Shawnee, who is chairman of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, pointed out this past week “it’s a priority that needs to be addressed and we’re trying to do that now.” He noted the many local businesses which rely heavily on freight lines to transport products manufactured in the area. Several of those also depend on rail to bring products to their plants and he added it could spell disaster if the lines fall into complete disrepair in the not-so-distant future.
Actually the importance of this issue was among the focuses of a special projects committee First National Bank President Larry Briggs formed back in 2006 and a rail committee originated from that group. As Shawnee Milling Co. President Bill Ford said Friday, sometimes it takes a while to get a point across, but he expressed appreciation to Overland, Gov. Brad Henry, other ODOT officials and city leaders for moving ahead and submitting the grant.
Ford has been right in the middle of this rail effort for more than three years now, as have several others.
We would concur with Ford that Overland, our governor and the others should be commended for their efforts in recognizing the importance of improving rail service to this area. This particular grant application, which seeks $32.1 million, is one of only three TIGER grants pursued by ODOT. The other two, one in Tulsa, the other in the Claremore area, also have a rail component.
A decision on these grant applications isn’t expected until January. Between now and then, we encourage our state’s congressional delegation to work diligently and tediously to help secure this grant for Shawnee and the other two. The impact could be critical for this area’s economy.
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THE ISSUE: Grant application to improve rail in this area.
OUR STANCE: It serves a critical need to the area’s economy.
Submission of a grant application for railroad improvements between Shawnee and Oklahoma City and for the line running north of the city signals that Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials recognize its importance to this area.
Much of the 32.3 miles of line connecting Oklahoma City to Shawnee and the 8.9 miles of line running north of town have caused major consternation for several local industries, the lessee who operates those lines and city officials. This is because of the condition of sections of the track, especially those areas which cross over the North Canadian River where speed has been restricted at times due to heavy rains and erosion.
Upgrading the line between here and Oklahoma City is critical to some of the local industries, among them Shawnee Milling Co., Exxon Mobil, Ball Pipe and Supply, Norwesco, TDK Ferrites, and Vanguard Stimulation Services. Twice during the summer of 2007, once in June, and again in August of that year, heavy rains severely damaged the lines, impacting at the time all of those industries except Vanguard, which didn’t begin operations here until 2008.
Dan Overland, Shawnee, who is chairman of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, pointed out this past week “it’s a priority that needs to be addressed and we’re trying to do that now.” He noted the many local businesses which rely heavily on freight lines to transport products manufactured in the area. Several of those also depend on rail to bring products to their plants and he added it could spell disaster if the lines fall into complete disrepair in the not-so-distant future.
Actually the importance of this issue was among the focuses of a special projects committee First National Bank President Larry Briggs formed back in 2006 and a rail committee originated from that group. As Shawnee Milling Co. President Bill Ford said Friday, sometimes it takes a while to get a point across, but he expressed appreciation to Overland, Gov. Brad Henry, other ODOT officials and city leaders for moving ahead and submitting the grant.
Ford has been right in the middle of this rail effort for more than three years now, as have several others.
We would concur with Ford that Overland, our governor and the others should be commended for their efforts in recognizing the importance of improving rail service to this area. This particular grant application, which seeks $32.1 million, is one of only three TIGER grants pursued by ODOT. The other two, one in Tulsa, the other in the Claremore area, also have a rail component.
A decision on these grant applications isn’t expected until January. Between now and then, we encourage our state’s congressional delegation to work diligently and tediously to help secure this grant for Shawnee and the other two. The impact could be critical for this area’s economy.
