South Dakota rail receives $6 million grant

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) said Monday she applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for investing in South Dakota rail through a partnership between the Rapid City Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCP&E) and the state of South Dakota.

RCP&E has gained a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant worth $6 million from USDOT. The funds will be used to improve the capacity of the state’s railroads. TIGER is one of the ways that the government invests in the U.S. transportation system. 

The grant came after a push by South Dakota lawmakers and other supporters for the last several months. The effort included letters written by Noem and Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Many commodities produced in South Dakota are enjoyed by the rest of the U.S., Noem said. The goods are exported using rail. When these shipments are delayed or disrupted, there is an instant impact on the economy. The nation’s railways are important to making a healthy economy that will last for generations.

“I’m grateful the secretary saw the merit of this project and recognized South Dakota freight rail as a worthy priority,” Noem said.