Rail to trail update: At the last meeting in Pierre, the supporters said they would be very transparent with information about the rail project. That has not taken place. After two failed proposals, the third was to do a feasibility study. To date, they have not applied for a grant to pay for this study. The only way a rail can be changed to a trail is if the State 'rail banks' the rail. They do this only when they know a train will never use the track again. If the supporters had done their homework, they would know the rail from NAPA Junction to Ravinia has not been rail banked, which means no trail. It would be interesting to know how much of the $5,000 from the Tyndall Development Corporation has been spent on a project that isn't feasible. Most landowners might get some money if the rail is changed to a trail. I took a copy to a state official who said it won't happen, throw the letter away.

Ed Van Gerpen - Avon 605-500-9155