Larry Pressler: “this month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern [DME] Railroad. The DME is South Dakota's…”

“this month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern [DME] Railroad. The DME is South Dakota's only statewide railroad and operates more than 1,100 miles. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the DME. I particularly commend the many dedicated workers and officials who have worked to make DME such a successful rail service provider. All associated with DME should be proud. I recall back in 1983 when I first became involved in a lengthy battle to preserve critical rail service slated for abandonment. The Chicago and NorthWestern was planning to abandon 167-miles connecting Ft. Pierre and Rapid City. That fight ultimately lead to establishment of the DME. At first, many were skeptical about DME's prospect for success. Those same skeptics are believers today. DME's annual revenue and freight tonnage have doubled during the past 10 years. So has its number of employees. And, more than $90 million has been invested in main line infrastructure improvements during that same period. I am proud to have played a role both in DME's creation and its successes. I have enjoyed working closely with rail shippers and DME to advance this critical transportation service. I remain committed to doing all I can to promote adequate and effective rail service for our State.”