A&K Railroad Materials hosts Rep. Yoder

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Photo courtesy of NRC

Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS-03) joined the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC), in conjunction with the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), at A&K Railroad Materials’ Kansas City facility during an Oct. 30 visit.

The congressman discussed with company officials and rail industry representatives the need for infrastructure investments and business-friendly economic policies in addition to taking part in a facility tour.

“It is a privilege to host Congressman Yoder, Watco, Railworks and other railroad partners at our Kansas City Operation,” said A&K President Kellen Desmond. “A&K is committed to [providing] innovative solutions to promote lasting railway infrastructure and we value this opportunity to discuss how legislation co-sponsored by the Congressman assists us in this endeavor.”

Yoder has represented Kansas in Congress since 2011 and is the chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Before being elected to the U.S. House, Yoder was the Kansas State Representative for the 20th district from 2003 to 2011.

The congressman participated in a brief policy discussion and attendees thanked Yoder for his support as a co-sponsor on the Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy (BRACE) boost their reinvestments in upgrades and expand the “first and last mile” of transportation infrastructure.

“The shortline railroad tax credit, which would be made permanent by the BRACE Act, is an essential piece of the economic puzzle, allowing short lines to invest more of their own capital in rail improvements and maintenance to provide ever-safer and more robust service capabilities for their customers,” said Judy Petry, chair of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). “ASLRRA thanks Rep. Yoder for his long-term support on this important issue.”

A&K Railroad Materials, Inc., is a supplier of new and used track materials and specialty services, including those related to welding and track removal.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, A&K has sales offices and a network of storage and distribution facilities located throughout the U.S., including 11 fixed retail yards and seven sales offices in the U.S. Affiliates of A&K own four shortline railroads in three states, including Kansas, comprising about 140 miles of track.

Kansas City, Kan., is the center of A&K’s operations and home to most of the company’s 300+ employees. This facility is a complete trackwork manufacturing facility with a range of capabilities and is an ISO-certified manufacturing facility, officials said.

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