(The following article by Scott Waltman was posted on the Aberdeen American News website on April 27.)
ABERDEEN, S.D. — South Dakota officials have reached an agreement that would allow Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to buy the state’s Core Lines.
Representatives from both sides have been meeting in recent days to resolve differences that have led to two lawsuits. Larry Long, South Dakota attorney general, said both lawsuits may be resolved if a federal judge approves the agreement.
Gov. Mike Rounds talked about the agreement briefly at the Brown County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner in Aberdeen.
In short, Rounds said that if or when BNSF buys the lines, other railroads will be allowed to use them, although there will be some restrictions.
Rounds said the agreement would again turn Aberdeen into the Hub City, allowing trains from multiple railroads to pass through the community traveling both north and south as well as east and west.
The state now owns 363 miles of what are called Core Lines, including a stretch from Aberdeen to Sioux City. South Dakota and BNSF have recently disagreed over how those tracks should be used.
Rounds said the agreement may solve the dispute and called it a “win-win” deal.
Paperwork was filed in federal court Tuesday, Long said. It’s not clear when a ruling will be issued. One of the court cases was to have started in Aberdeen this week.