The Bon Homme County Commissioners have voted to have me represent Bon Homme County in the controversial Rail to Trail Project.

District III in Yankton has put together costs involved with this project.

Trai ls Development $140,000 per mile times 60 miles is $8,400,000. Maintenance costs per mile, per year is $1,700 or $102,000 every year.

The commissioners from Bon Homme County and Charles Mix are not supporting this project so you can be sure your tax dollars will not be used to support this project. As I look into the details of this project, the statement from the lawyers in St. Louis keep coming back, 'we understand the negative impact a rail to trail conversion has on landowners'.

Farmers are very important to help our small towns survive. I am very disappointed that the Friends group who have a personal agenda are willing th throw farmers under the bus to accomplish their goals.

I will keep you all posted on a monthly basis.

Respectfully yours, Ed Van Gerpen