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Commissioner: North Texas regional partners stepped in to sustain Heartland Flyer segment as Sedgwick County pursues Amtrak extension
Summary
Commissioner David Meitzner said partners in North Texas provided funding to keep the Fort Worth–Oklahoma City Heartland Flyer route operating while the region continues planning an extension; Sedgwick County continues coordinating with KDOT and the Federal Railroad Administration on a service development plan.
Commissioner David Meitzner told the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners on July 16 that partners in North Texas and Dallas‑Fort Worth area transportation agencies had agreed to cover an annual shortfall so the Fort Worth–Oklahoma City Heartland Flyer route can continue operating.
Meitzner said the North Texas Council of Governments used toll‑way and regional transportation funds to step in, avoiding a lapse in service while state and federal partners finish a passenger‑rail service development plan. He said Sedgwick County and the Kansas Department of Transportation are working with the Federal Railroad Administration on the next steps related to a finished service development plan for an extension that would include Wichita.
The remarks were delivered under the commission’s “Other” business item. Meitzner characterized the funding step as helpful to keep the route operating; he said work continues with KDOT and the FRA to advance an extension and finalize a service development plan.
No formal county action was recorded on July 16 regarding funding or agreements for rail extension; Meitzner’s comments described ongoing intergovernmental coordination.
