Railroads, Division of, 1872-2000

Fonds

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Record Group: This record group contains records created and maintained by the South Dakota Department of Transportation and includes highway and bridge construction plans, photographs, and films; aerial photographs; bridge inspection reports; engineers' correspondence; project feasibility studies; railroad deeds, maps, appraisal records, and construction and maintenance files; railroad abandonment hearing files; state rail plan records and publications; Milwaukee Road bankruptcy and reorganization files; public hearing audio records; and commission meeting minutes and annual reports.

Dates

1872-2000

Administrative History

The Division of Railroads was created in 1975 as the State of South Dakota became actively involved in the purchase of rail lines that had been abandoned by private railroad companies like the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company (The Milwaukee Road). The division was responsible for conducting research necessary to determine the need and potential for rail service in South Dakota, preparing a comprehensive rail plan for the state, increasing public understanding of the railroad problems in the state and the potential actions for resolving those problems, and reviewing and recommending changes to state laws that would facilitate and improve rail service.

Extent

150.1 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

Related Materials

For additional state government records pertaining to railroad companies that have operated in South Dakota and Dakota Territory, see the following record group: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (CCA) - Public Utilities Commission.