SD Railroad Board hears arguments plans for the abandoned rail line from Tabor to Platte

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Supporters and opponents of a plan to turn an abandoned rail line from Tabor to Platte into a biking and hiking trail appeared in front of the South Dakota Railroad Board.

The former Milwaukee Road line last had rail traffic in the 1980s and has been owned by the state since then.

Bon Homme County Commissioner Ed Van Gerpen says they don’t support the conversion.

David Scott of Geddes says it would put people in places they don’t belong.

Janet Wagner, with the group “Friends of the Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail” told the board they want to be good neighbors.

The board took no action on the plan. Transportation Department Secretary Joel Jundt told the supporters to come back with a more formal plan.