17 March 2008
South Dakota Governor Signs Rail Condemnation Bill
South Dakota USA - South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds has
signed legislation allowing expedited procedures for railroads wishing to acquire property for rights-of-way.
The law is expected to aid efforts by the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad to gain property for a new route into Wyoming's Powder
River Basin, to tap coal traffic.
DM&E was acquired last October by Canadian Pacific for roughly $1.5 billion.
The new law provides for a hearing and decision within 90 days of a railroad's request to condemn land.
Until now, no timetable was in place to decide if condemnation was in the public interest.
Decisions on eminent domain lie with the governor or state Transportation Commission.
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