South Dakota § 49-16B-1 - Legislative declarations--Public participation in railroad ownership and operation.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-16B-1 — Legislative declarations--Public participation in railroad ownership and operation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-16B-1. Legislative declarations--Public participation in railroad ownership and operation.
It is hereby declared:
(1) That there exists within the state a serious emergency as a result of the imminent abandonment by railroads of substantial services which they have provided within the state, and the deteriorated condition of their properties and facilities;
(2) That the abandonment of service and the deteriorated condition of railroad properties and facilities within the state has had and will continue to have a serious adverse effect upon the development of the state's resources and the improvement of its economic facilities and seriously interfere with the flow of commerce within the state, including the production and marketing of agricultural and manufactured commodities;
(3) That the deteriorated condition of railroad properties and facilities and the abandonment of railroad service also places upon the state's highways additional burdens which cannot be sustained by them without irreparable damage;
(4) That neither the improvement of railroad properties and facilities nor the continued provision of abandoned railroad service can be accomplished without public participation in the operation and ownership of railroad properties and facilities and the conduct of railroad services;
(5) That for the foregoing reasons, it is to the economic benefit of the state for the Legislature to foster and encourage public participation in the ownership of railroad properties and facilities and the conduct of railroad services and that measures for such purposes should be adopted to permit such public participation as soon as practicable.
Source: SL 1980, ch 323, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 49-16B-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-16B-1 cover?
Section 49-16B-1 ("Legislative declarations--Public participation in railroad ownership and operation.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 49-16B-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-16B-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 49-16B-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.