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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17004, Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two open spots on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee—one for biofuel experts and one for coal producers. If you or someone you know fits the bill, nominations are due by September 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape how energy moves by rail, with no cost to apply and a voice in important transportation decisions.
2026-16620, Regulatory Agenda
The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is publishing the Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.
2026-16276, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-State of South Dakota
2026-16109, Release of Waybill Data
2026-16128, Town of Gloster, Miss.-Acquisition Exemption-Line of Gloster Southern Railroad Company, LLC
2026-14758, Colby Nitterhouse-Continuance in Control Exemption-NPJ Rail, LLC; PNGT Rail, LLC; and WCN Rail, LLC
Colby Nitterhouse, who doesn’t currently control any railroads, is set to take charge of three small rail companies: NPJ Rail, PNGT Rail, and WCN Rail. This move lets Nitterhouse keep control as these companies become official Class III rail carriers. The paperwork was updated recently, and no big money changes or delays are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08672, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Narwhal, LLC Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in West Harrison Bay, Alaska
Narwhal, LLC wants permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while exploring for oil and gas in West Harrison Bay, Alaska. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts before deciding whether to approve this for one year, with a possible one-time renewal. This process helps protect animals while allowing energy exploration to move forward responsibly.
Next: 2025-08689, Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Operation and Maintenance of the Willamette Valley System
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is getting ready to study what would happen if they stopped making hydropower at the Willamette Valley dams. This affects people who rely on the river for power, wildlife, and local communities. They’ll carefully look at how to keep the system running while protecting endangered species, with updates coming soon that could impact operations and budgets.