(Pierre, SD) — Railroad experts are weighing in as the buzz picks up for passenger trains possibly coming to South Dakota. The Federal Railroad Administration recently released Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study maps that include two routes through the Mount Rushmore state. Local museum curator and railroad historian, Rick Mills, believes it’s a “fantastic step forward” that the area could have realistic options. All Aboard Northwest has helped bring attention to the previously overlooked South Dakota. Co-Executive Director Charles Hamilton says it’s about the three E’s — benefits to the economy, to the environment, and to equity, which means the places that just haven’t been served. The last passenger train to come through Rapid City was back in 1960, and the last one into Sioux Falls was in 1965.
