Designating the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad as the official state heritage railroad.
Impact
The implementation of SB334 will formalize the state's recognition of the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, potentially influencing public interest and investment in the railroad's maintenance and operational endeavors. Designating a railroad as a heritage site may also lead to increased tourism as visitors seek to explore this piece of Kansas history. Moreover, such a status could open avenues for state funding and support for preservation efforts related to this historical asset.
Summary
Senate Bill 334 aims to designate the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad as the official heritage railroad of the state of Kansas. This designation recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the railroad to the state, promoting awareness and appreciation for Kansas's railway history. By officially branding the railroad as a heritage site, the bill seeks to enhance the visibility and importance of this railroad in the local and state community context.
Contention
While the bill may seem straightforward, the designation of only one railroad as the official heritage site could raise questions regarding the other railroads operating within Kansas. Stakeholders may debate whether this limited designation undervalues the contributions of other railways to the state's heritage and economy. Nonetheless, supporters argue that recognizing the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad does not preclude acknowledgment of other railroads but rather highlights a significant piece of history that warrants state recognition.
Designating portions of K-96 highway as the PFC Henry Lee Fisher memorial highway and the 96th Infantry Division memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 69 as the Ken W Brock memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 81 as the Merle Miller memorial highway and a portion of United States highway 281 as the first responders memorial highway, redesignating a current portion of the American Legion memorial highway for United States highway 281 and redesignating a current portion of the Frank Carlson memorial highway for United States highway 81, designating bridge No. 160-96-293.72 in Sumner county as the SrA Derek Scott Martin memorial bridge and designating the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 as the official state steam locomotive and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad as the official state heritage railroad.
Requiring railroads operating in Kansas to maintain minimum distances from the near-edge of railroad crossings to the storage of certain rolling stock on sidings.