Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad officials recently announced the completion of a $5.65 million project to construct over 17,000 feet of main line rail sidings in Aurora and Huron. South Dakota Corn Growers Executive Director Lisa Richardson says that’s an important step in transporting corn and other commodities to market.

She says it also aligns with recent rail upgrades including $37 million for the Chamberlain to Presho line, $7.3 million for the southeast South Dakota rail upgrade and $10.5 million for the Britton line. Richardson says this gives South Dakota growers a competitive advantage over Brazil and other countries.

Richardson says rail and other infrastructure upgrades are critical in competing for Pacific Rim and other global markets.

Richardson says although the corn crop won’t match recent record years, the rail will be important in moving another very good corn crop this fall.