Shawnee Forward

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is to aid the recovery of the Shawnee Micropolitan Statistical Area through infrastructural investments in its transportation, specifically rail. Our local short-line operator, Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad, has brought to the attention of the Shawnee region that the condition of the existing rail line is not only declining but is falling behind its peers in industry standards. To combat this deterioration and improve the rail line between Oklahoma City and Shawnee, $20 Million is requested. This will allow 38 bridges over that distance to be upgraded to the modern load-bearing standard of 292k pounds, and for ties to be upgraded to Class 1 track condition. If left at its current condition of inadequate bridge structures and tie conditions, it will quickly become incompatible with weight standards for the rail industry. This one-time investment would not only allow the rail to continue to operate adequately, but would aid current customers competing in the global market and enable communities to attract new customers to the region.

EVIDENCE

Transportation is a key contributor to local economies, particularly in areas where manufacturing is a major component such as Pottawatomie County. Looking at short-line operators alone, studies suggest that the impact of these smaller rail companies can be sizable. An IMPLAN study conducted by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association found that the jobs, income, and value-add multipliers were significant, ranging from 2.9 to 3.6. As to this specific stretch of track, a brief look upon the line will remove doubt that it is in need of repair and update to meet increasing standards.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 pandemic was a tragedy everywhere including Shawnee with a high poverty rate and other needs. Shawnee has a poverty rate of 20.5%, compared to the State at 15.2%. By October 1, 2021, this statistic contributed to 6,610 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 106 deaths. These numbers put Shawnee 12th in the State in both categories while its population size is 14th. Pottawatomie County and the others along the line will benefit directly from this by maximizing the potential job creation and economic growth that results from investments to a rail-line, as discussed above. This will go a long way towards healing the damage done by providing more opportunity in the community, directly and indirectly. Additionally, this growth would increase the tax base which in turn fuels programs for those that need the aid but have not been able to benefit for whatever reason.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

As repair and improvements are underway, AOKRR will monitor progress against both the expected timeline and costs and relay this progress to all interested parties in regular increments. Once completed, the specifics of the increased weight standards and improved rail condition will also be shared. Any and all additional data required by State and Federal guidelines will be shared with relevant entities in compliance with those guidelines.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding