Ponca City officials have been pushing for passenger train service for a number of years. The Oklahoma city of some 24,000 has no intercity public transportation options or nearby commercial air service.  In March of 2021, the City began researching potential funding opportunities to rehabilitate the former Santa Fe Depot through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.

City staff prepared a Ponca City Multi-Modal Transportation Infrastructure Project, which included a request for funding to renovate the depot, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The federal Infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 included an allocation to the City of Ponca City in the amount of $2,000,000.00 to rehabilitate the Santa Fe Depot. 

Ponca City staff then began working with ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation), the state agency from whom the federal funding is received. On December 26, 2022, the Mayor and Commissioners approved the State of Oklahoma, Project Maintenance, Financing and Right-of-Way Agreement with ODOT to rehabilitate of the Santa Fe Depot.   

In January of 2023, the City entered into an agreement with Sikes Abernathie Architects to prepare plans and specifications for the depot rehabilitation. The Architect’s estimated cost of the project was $2,302,875. The architectural plans, totaling 52 pages, were completed by the Architect and the bid packet, totaling 597 pages, was prepared by City staff and then sent to ODOT and SHPO for consideration and approval prior to the project being bid.  

Because of the complexity of this project and the Federal regulations that apply, City staff and the project Architect reached out to potential bidders across the region who possessed unique skill sets and had proven experience in the rehabilitation of historic older buildings. There was also the matter of explaining what the work protocol must be, because the project lies within 25 feet of an active railroad track.  

The bid opening for this project was held on Thursday, October 31, 2024 and two bids were received, with the lowest being from Rick Scott Construction, LLC in the amount of $2,130,952.00. This bid amount includes the Base Bid in the amount of $2,084,829.00 plus Alternate No.1 in the amount of $20,043.00 and Alternate No. 2 in the amount of $26,080.00 for a project total of $2,130,952.00.

• Senate Bill No. 349: This bill focuses on the operational support for the Heartland Flyer Extension, which aims to enhance passenger rail service between Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Fort Worth. The bill includes provisions for funding and operational guidelines to ensure the extension's success.
• Senate Bill No. 514: This comprehensive bill includes substantial appropriations for transportation, with a notable focus on passenger rail. The bill allocates $41 million for various transportation initiatives, including $5 million in operational support for the passenger rail network. This funding is crucial for maintaining and expanding rail services, which have a significant economic impact on the region.

A Kansas Rail Caucus expanded to 68 members, according to the NFA, reflecting growing bipartisan support for passenger rail initiatives. This caucus plays a pivotal role in advocating for the Heartland Flyer Extension and educating other legislators about its benefits. In March, a panel led by Kansas Senator Carolyn McGinn discussed the economic and community advantages of improved rail services, emphasizing the importance of continued planning and eventual construction.

Looking ahead, the Kansas legislative session is expected to continue focusing on enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure, with the new Service Development Plan providing the Road Map on expanding and improving passenger rail services. The ongoing support from both the public and private sectors, coupled with legislative backing, bodes well for the future of passenger rail in Kansas.