A House resolution that encourages Amtrak to come to South Dakota died on the Senate floor.
Proponents believe the state stands to gain financial benefit if Amtrak were to come to South Dakota. Opponents think that might be too good to be true.
Despite the bill passing the House 49-21, the Senate floor found issue with the resolution supporting an Amtrak route connecting South Dakota to Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Sen. Carl Perry is the bill’s prime sponsor. He said bringing Amtrak to South Dakota only has positive gains for the state.
"This links us to the rest of the continental US. Only Wyoming and South Dakota don’t have it. And, tremendous tourism and tax opportunities for the state, federal dollars support the program," Perry said. "At this point, there’s no ask for dollars from South Dakota. It would use existing rail and right of ways that is already established. Rapid City City Council passed a resolution in support earlier in 2024. [Amtrak creates] tremendous opportunities to support tourism with foreign travelers that want this type of experience."
Opponents of the bill say the bill is unnecessary and it could potentially infringe on the will of a private business.
Sen. John Carley spoke out in opposition. He said, although he supports Amtrak, he believes the private business can make its own decisions without the legislature’s help.
“Not sure why we have a resolution to do that, I don’t see us doing that for McDonalds, or for Taco Bells, or for Uber or others," Carley said. "They come to a state when they see opportunity, and it allows the free market to exercise itself instead of telling them to come."
Sen. Perry disagreed.
"It is not a request that they do it. It’s not a request that it’s done. It’s not a request that it’ll happen in the next week," Perry said. "And, I think my original line [in the bill] said ‘First step is a long process to bring Amtrak to South Dakota.’ This is a long process, but the first step of the process is everyone says yes."
Carley said he has concerns of future eminent domain use and the potential to use taxpayer dollars to fund a private business.
HCR 6008 died on the Senate floor by one vote, 18-17.
Perry said the bill “should have passed” and he plans to bring the legislation back next year.
