Senate rejects resolution urging congressional support for an Amtrak route through South Dakota

A motion to concur in House Concurrent Resolution 6,008, which urged the South Dakota congressional delegation and the federal administration to pursue an Amtrak route between Denver and Minneapolis–St. Paul via Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls, failed in the Senate on March 3. Senator Perry spoke in favor of the resolution, citing tourism and existing right-of-way use; opponents raised concerns about federal and future state costs and the private nature of Amtrak.

Senator Perry described the measure as an early step in a long process to bring passenger rail service to South Dakota and said proponents sought congressional support rather than a request for state dollars. Opponents, including at least one senator who identified himself as opposed, argued that Amtrak is a private company that chooses markets based on opportunity and that the state should not commit to a course that might create future fiscal exposure. Concerns mentioned in debate included potential capital costs per mile and the risk of future eminent-domain or additional state spending.

When the roll call was completed the clerk announced 17 yeas and 18 nays, and the president declared the motion lost.