TOPEKA — Kansas has filed three pre-applications for federal economic stimulus money earmarked for high-speed passenger trains. Kansas Department of Transportation’s John Maddox said the state will seek more than $17 million to improve passenger rail service. The state wants to upgrade the rail line between Osage City and Emporia so the Southwest Chief passenger train can go faster. The state also wants to upgrade the rails between Newton and Oklahoma City. That line would connect the Southwest Chief, which goes between Chicago and Los Angeles; and the Heartland Flyer, which goes between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City.
