South Dakota DOT seeks input on state rail plan development

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is holding stakeholder meetings this month to gather input for the 2014 South Dakota State Rail Plan.

SDDOT is developing the plan to inventory the state's rail system; identify critical rail system issues, needs and opportunities; articulate policies governing South Dakota's involvement in the rail system; and establish a long-range rail infrastructure investment program.

The department is soliciting input from freight and passenger railroads, shippers, receivers, government and non-governmental entities, the general public and elected officials.

The meetings will provide officials an opportunity to hear and learn from stakeholders about important freight- and passenger-rail issues, as well as any planned improvements to the state's rail system, SDDOT officials said in a meeting notice.