Bill names official Kansas ‘Heritage Railroad’
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Legislature has passed a bill naming the state’s “Official Heritage Railroad.”
The bill names the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad as the state’s official heritage railroad and their steam locomotive, Santa Fe 3415, as the official state locomotive.
State Representative Scott Hill of Abilene introduced the bill. The bill advanced through committees, gaining approval in both the Kansas House and Senate. It now moves to Governor Laura Kelly’s desk, where it is expected to be signed.
“This is indeed an honor,” said A&SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling in a news release. “Our organization was founded three decades ago on the idea of preserving the legacy of railroads as builders of our state. It’s great to make our mission an official Kansas tradition. More importantly, this designation is a great recognition of our volunteers and the tens of thousands of hours they have dedicated to the A&SV.”
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The railroad says the designations will also help them with their grant writing.
The railroad is the only excursion railroad operating in Kansas, and the 104-year-old Santa Fe 3415 is one of only 200 operating steam engines in the United States.
In October, the railroad began its mandatory 15-year overhaul and inspection of the Santa Fe 3415, which will take around 2 years to complete.
While the Sant Fe undergoes its overhaul, the Abilene and Smoky Valley is operating its 1945 ALCO S-1 diesel-electric engine, which was originally owned by the Hutchinson & Northern Railroad.
For more about the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad or to purchase excursion tickets, visit their website.
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