Protection Kansas Fights to Save Rail Line

Is there a railroad in Comanche County's future? That question will be the topic of discussion at two meetings in Protection, Tuesday, July 31. Sponsored by the Comanche County Economic Development Foundation, the gatherings will take place at Don's Place on Tuesday  at 10 a.m. and at noon. The foundation has invited eight past and potential railroad shippers from the area to the first meeting. There they will meet with  Ed McKechnie, Director of Government Affairs for Watco Companies, Inc. Watco is the parent company of the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad that purchased the former Englewood branch June 30. (See the related story below.) With McKechnie will be another official from the K&O. Also attending the 10 a.m. meeting will be several area politicians: Rep. Richard Alldritt, Harper; Rep. Dennis McKinney, Greensburg; and Sen. Ruth Teichman, Stafford. The railroad officials have asked to meet privately with legislators and shippers, in order to protect shippers' business interests. The Kansas Legislature passed a measure during the 2001 session that enabled Watco to purchase the Protection rail line, along with several hundred other miles of trackage in central and western Kansas. House and Senate leaders have discussed additional legislation for the upcoming 2002 session that would grant Watco income tax credits on funds spent to upgrade track. According to McKechnie, passage of the tax credit bill is critical in guaranteeing future service to Protection. Under the former owner, Central Kansas Railway, the track -- and train service -- into Comanche County deteriorated badly. CKR had already targeted track from Coats (in Pratt County) to Protection for abandonment. K&O officials agreed to attend the Comanche County meetings before making a decision about the line's future. The second meeting on Tuesday -- beginning at noon -- will be open to the public.  Area grain producers, business persons, community leaders, and all those interested in the future of Comanche County are encouraged to be present. McKechnie will make some remarks on behalf of the railroad, and then be available for questions and comments from local residents. Alldritt, McKinney, and Teichman will remain for the public discussion. They will be joined by representatives from two national political figures: Sen. Pat Roberts and Rep. Jerry Moran. Several other state legislators have been invited, as well. The economic development foundation hopes this public meeting will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas aimed at preserving Comanche County's railroad connection.