Colony railroad set to get an upgrade

The current owners of the hundred-year-old railroad leading into Colony is planning to upgrade the line. The county commissioners have offered their support for the project, which is expected to cost around $84 million and will include 80 miles of new rail and upgraded bridge structures.

Jerry Vest, Assistant Vice President of Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, approached the commission last week to explain the project and request a letter of support for the company’s $22 million grant application. The railroad carries three primary commodities, he said: bentonite from Wyoming, cement...