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Senate committee hears plan to create Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame at Wichita museum
Summary
The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony in favor of SB 353 to establish an official Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame, designate the Great Plains Transportation Museum in Wichita as the preferred site, create a seven‑member selection committee and generally provide for two annual inductees; proponents said no state funding is being sought.
The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 353, a measure to establish an official Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame and a seven‑member selection committee that would work with the Great Plains Transportation Museum in Wichita to manage nominations, displays and induction ceremonies.
Sponsor Senator Aletha Faustino said the legislation was intended to preserve the state’s railroad history and help future generations understand the role of rail transportation in Kansas. "I am excited and honored to have introduced legislation for the Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame," she told the committee, noting a similar companion bill in the House.
Lon Smith, executive director of the Great Plains Transportation Museum, told the committee the museum would administer the Hall of Fame and would not form a separate 501(c)(3). "We are not seeking funding for this project at all," Smith said, adding an anonymous donor has committed funding that likely covers at least five years of work and that the designation would help the museum raise money to construct a building.
Ty Dragoo, who said he represents about 6,000 active and retired railroad workers, praised the bill’s inclusion of railroaders on the selection committee and argued the measure would properly recognize workers whose actions "have quite literally saved the lives of people in towns and small communities." He and other proponents urged the committee to support the bill.
Committee members asked a handful of clarifying questions. Senator Dietrich asked whether the legislation would create a separate charitable corporation eligible for 501(c)(3) deductions; proponents said it would not create a new corporate entity and that donor tax treatment depends on existing nonprofit structures. Senator Argyle Bridal questioned why the bill limits induction to two people annually; Lon Smith said the language was patterned on the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame and the selection committee could reserve the right to induct more people, especially in the first year.
Committee staff read a list of written proponents and reported no opponents or neutral testimony. The committee closed the hearing on SB 353; members indicated further consideration may occur when the committee resumes work on this agenda item.
