PIERRE, S.D. — Eight railroads and government agencies have made their pitches to the South Dakota Railroad Board for more than $58 million available in infrastructure project funding from the Federal Railroad Administration.
KELO-TV reports that the board is administering $58.9 million in Special Transportation Circumstances grants, part of $139 million in funding announced earlier this year for South Dakota, Alaska, and Wyoming under a program for states that lack intercity passenger service or are not connected to the national rail system [see “FRA announces availability of funds …,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 21, 2023].
Projects under consideration involve:
— The Sisseton Milbank Railroad, seeking $3.2 million to upgrade what it calls the two worst sections of its line, in approximately a 6-mile area, and repair or replace 72 culverts and/or washouts caused by spring flooding. The railroad recently received a 2022 CRISI grant for up to $24.7 million to address its pressing need to upgrade its rail line [see “Sisseton Milbank Railroad seeking federal grants …,” News Wire, Jan. 4, 2023].
— The Ringneck & Western Railroad, asking for $8.3 million to cover 31,600 new crossties, 17,000 tons of ballast, and 44 miles of surfacing between Chamberlain and Presho, S.D., as well as culvert and bridge repairs;
— The South Dakota Department of Transportation, requesting $10 million to $21.8 million to rebuild a portion of the state-owned, largely inactive Napa-Platte line in the southeast portion of the state, which is described as “predominantly 65-pound jointed rail on a sod grade … inadequate for safely moving loaded cars or operating locomotives.” The goal is to improve the line to a level where it can attract a shipper.
— The Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, requesting $14 million to replace 21.25 miles or rail and strengthen bridges between Rapid City, S.D., and the end of the railroad in Colony, Wyo. The funds requested would not be used on the Wyoming portion of the project, which would be funded by the railroad. The upgrades will allow the line to handle industry-standard 286,000-pound railcars.
— The Belle Fourche Economic Development Corp., seeking up to $1.9 million for improvements at the Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park. The Economic Development Corp. application offers three different options for improvements, dpending on the level of funding provided.
— The Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western Railroad, asking for up to $30 million to upgrade a 4.4-mile section of state-owned rail line between Jarret Junction and Britton, S.D., on the railroad’s Aberdeen Subdivision between Aberdeen, S.D., and Geneseo, N.D. Four different versions of the project are proposed ranging from one including installation of 22,800 ties, 45,600 tons of ballast, surfacing, anchor replacement, and replacement of four switches to one including four switches, four new concrete crossings, 38,500 ties, 77,000 tons of ballast, surfacing, new rail anchors, and new 115-pound rail.
— The City of Sioux Falls, requesting $12 million for a grade crossing separation project that would build an overpass across the BNSF Main Line on North Marion Road, which connects an industrial park to Interstate 29.
— The D&I Railroad, which seeks $9.96 million to replace 100-pound jointed rail with 115-pound welded rail on two track segments totaling 11.84 miles, one near Hudson, S.D., and one near Baltic, S.D.
The board will reach decisions on funding later this fall.
I don’t see the continued focus on the Napa-Platte line, especially with shuttle grain facilities already in place on an existing rail line at Napa (Yankton) and Beardsley (Parkston).