All aboard: Amtrak could track its way through the state

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - All aboard- Amtrak could be fast-tracking its way to Congress sometime this year to potentially bring passenger rail service to South Dakota.

In October, we reported Amtrak could be rolling its way into the Black Hills, and now, South Dakota is identified on the “Proposed Network of Preferred Routes.” The Federal Railroad Administration has one more round of workshops, where they will create a report, and deliver it to Congress.

There could be two routes making their way through the state, which would be built on pre-existing rail infrastructure. Dan Bilka, president of All Aboard Northwest says there are many benefits to bringing rail service to the state.

“We can serve large and small communities as part of a regional rail network, advance economic and social well-being or rural areas of the United States and provide enhanced connectivity for the national long-distance passenger rail system,” Bilka said.

Once the federal study is submitted it will be up to Congress to decide if they want to bring Amtrak to the state.

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