Topeka ? Kansas has applied for $10 million in federal stimulus funds to upgrade railroad crossings and signals in the south-central part of the state.

The Department of Transportation says the improvements are critical to possible creation of passenger rail service between Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

The money would be used for improvements along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks between Newton and the Oklahoma border.

KDOT applied earlier for $7.6 million in stimulus funds for rail upgrades in Osage and Lyon counties and $500,000 in other federal funds for planning for passenger rail service.