(The Billings Gazette posted the following article on its website on September 8.)
PIERRE, S.D. — A former Bill Janklow staff member is coordinating an effort to get video comments from people who live and work along the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad, which wants to upgrade track and build new line to haul Wyoming coal across South Dakota and southern Minnesota.
It will be part of testimony to the Federal Railroad Administration, said Marshall Damgaard, whose crew was in Pierre on Wednesday.
Damgaard said some of the people’s concerns are legitimate, although many also realize there are benefits from the DM&E’s proposal.
The video crew represents Rochester, Minn., and the Mayo Clinic.
Janklow, a former congressman and four-term South Dakota governor, is a lawyer who is working with consultants brought in by Rochester to address concerns about the Sioux Falls-based railroad.
Damgaard said the video should be ready next week.
The FRA is taking testimony through Oct. 10. The railroad has applied for a $2.3 billion federal loan.