Montgomery County commissioners authorized county staff to submit an application for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) economic development program grant to fund a rail-spur project for Spears.

A county staff member who presented the item said the total project cost is $415,000 and that Spears will provide the 25% local match. "Part of the reason that we wanted to discuss this with you guys today is, the way that this grant works is there's submissions quarterly...the total project is $415,000; there is a 25% match, which Spears will go ahead and cover that," the staff member said. The staff member also explained that because KDOT requires a municipal applicant the county will apply and then pass KDOT funds to Spears for construction and reporting.

Why it matters: the rail spur is intended to bring freight by rail rather than truck to reduce wear on county and state roads and to improve efficiencies — one rail car replaces multiple truck trips, the presenter said. The presenter noted this will reduce road maintenance costs over time and improve logistics for the facility.

Project details discussed at the meeting included the county acting as the applicant, Spears providing the match and financial solvency documentation, KDOT covering approximately 75% of the project cost, and intended quarterly submission timing to meet a second-quarter submission window for likely mid-to-late third-quarter approval. The presenter said the county would execute the certification and staff signatures required for submission.

Commissioners voted to proceed and directed county staff to submit the application and sign the necessary documents; Commissioner Beaver, Commissioner Cordray and Commissioner Klubine voted yes. Comments from the meeting also referenced an anticipated employment impact: "181 additional jobs...over 5 years," a figure cited by speakers at the meeting.

No additional conditions or amendments to the application were recorded in the meeting minutes. The county will forward KDOT funds to Spears if awarded and will monitor project reporting requirements.