Kaw River Rails Renewed: Trains Stay on Track in Missouri
Published Date: 5/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Kaw River Railroad is renewing its lease to keep running trains on about 15.7 miles of track in Clay County, Missouri, that it’s operated for nearly 20 years. They updated their lease with BNSF Railway in August 2024, promising to keep smooth train handoffs between companies. This deal won’t change their size but involves over $5 million in revenue, with important notices shared with workers and unions ahead of time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Labor Notice Triggered by $5M Revenue
KAW projects that revenues from this transaction will exceed $5,000,000, which under 49 CFR 1150.42(e) requires posting a notice at affected workplaces and serving national labor unions at least 60 days before the exemption becomes effective. KAW has requested a waiver of the 60-day advance labor notice requirement; the Board will rule on that waiver and set the exemption's effective date.
Local Rail Service Continues
Kaw River Railroad will continue to lease and operate 15.69 miles of rail between Kearney and Birmingham in Clay County, Missouri, and certain yard tracks. KAW has been the exclusive operator for more than 19 years and intends to consummate the lease amendment entered August 1, 2024 so service continuity is maintained.
Interchange Commitment Keeps Hand-offs Smooth
Kaw River Railroad certifies that its August 1, 2024 lease amendment with BNSF includes an interchange commitment to maintain smooth train handoffs between carriers. A copy of that Lease Amendment with the interchange commitment was submitted under seal to the Board.
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