In March 2023, The Friends of Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail, LLC, was awarded about $200,000 by the South Dakota Department of Transportation to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a plan to create a gravel path from Tabor to Platte. Friends also intend to proceed with the development of two preliminary trails, a 5 mile trail between Lake Andes and Ravinia and a 14 mile trail from Ravinia to Dante. Friends are hopeful the feasibility study could be completed within a year with the test trails completed within the next couple years.
Friends' addressed the South Dakota Department of Transportation commission with concerns local government officials and citizens had raised at previous public meetings. These issues were summarized into 6 main points that collectively revolved around liability and safety concerns. To combat these concerns, the Friends' are researching insurance coverage that would provide up to $1,000,000 per incident.
“We know there is wide support for developing a recreational bike path in southeastern South Dakota[...]," explains Jerome Bentz, co-chair of the Friends group and a regular bicycle rider. via Mitchell Daily Republic
The Friends of the Tabor to Platte Rail to Trail will have more work ahead of them as they are required to raise $45,000 to match 20% of the grant they earned. Please feel free to contact Bob Foley at rfoley9147@gmail.com with words of encouragement and support as well as any requests to donate to this fantastic project!