Six railroad rehabilitation projects in South Dakota have been awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration. South Dakota Department of Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt says the selected projects are key to providing economic growth and increasing safety and efficiency for rail services across the state. He says selected projects will benefit short line railroads that serve as a crucial link in the rail supply chain. In central South Dakota: The Ringneck & Western Railroad’s Grade Stabilization and Repair Project received nearly $10.4 million ($10,389,000). The project includes correcting subgrade problems and resurfacing from Chamberlain to Presho to reduce the risk of future embargoes. The project will improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the railroad. The proposed project includes environmental review, engineering design and construction for the purchase and installation of approximately 31,600 ties, 17,000 tons of ballast, 44.5 miles of surfacing, the replacement of the culvert at MP 468.15, the replacement of a box culvert at MP 468.15 with a 10 x 12 box culvert and bridgework at MP 454.3, MP 455, and MP 455.2. The Ringneck & Western Railroad will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. SDDOT is responsible for distributing the approximately $54 million in total funding provided through the Special Transportation Circumstances Grant Program. Other rail projects in South Dakota approved are: Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern (RCP&E) Railroad Upper Black Hills Corridor Upgrade Project ($20,089,000 in total project funds). The proposed project includes construction to upgrade approximately 16 miles of rail, replace or upgrade 34 structures, install new turnouts, perform surfacing, make at-grade rail crossing improvements, and enhance ballast on the Upper Black Hills portion of the Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc. (RCP&E) mainline. The RCP&E will provide a 30 percent non-federal match. Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park Track Expansion Project ($1,204,000 in total project funds) The proposed project includes construction of approximately 110 feet of track realignment of the existing track, approximately 2,695 ft of new track construction and the installation of one new turnout. The Belle Fourche Economic Development Corporation will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. Sisseton Milbank Railroad Culvert Rehabilitation Project ($4,051,000 in total project funds) The proposed project includes construction to replace, install, refurbish, lengthen, and realign culverts along the Sisseton Milbank Railroad (SMRR) Main Line to improve drainage and increase track stability. The SMRR will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. SD Britton Railroad Line Rehabilitation ($22,000,000 in total funds) The proposed project includes construction to replace switches and installation of new concrete crossings along the State owned Britton Railroad Line. The State of South Dakota will contribute $2,640,054.12 and DMVW Railroad, who is the sublease holder, will contribute $1,760,036 in funds, totaling a 20 percent non-federal match. Dakota & Iowa (D&I) Railroad Main Line Rail Relay Project ($12,447,000 in total project funds) The proposed project includes construction to replace approximately 12 miles of worn-out legacy jointed rail with modern 115 pound continuously welded ribbon rail and required componentry. The D&I Railroad will provide a 20 percent non-federal match. In September (Sept 28, 2024),: The Midland Rail Improvement Project was allocated up to $2,240,000 to replace part of the track between Fort Pierre and Rapid City, passing through Midland. This proposed project will replace four miles of the Rapid City Pierre & Eastern main rail line that is approaching 100 years old. Currently lightweight and obsolete, replacing the rail will improve track geometry and reduce internal defects and breakage thereby reducing derailment risk. The Mitchell-Rapid City Meet and Pass Siding project in rural Brule County will get up to $1,560,000 to add a new section of rail siding for the Dakota Southern Railway mainline east of Kimball. The approximately 10,000-foot section is located east of Highway 45 near the Gavilon grain elevator. The siding increases capacity and decreases delays. Half of the project is on property currently owned by the state. The other half of the project right-of-way will be acquired with funding outside of this grant.