KOTA Territory NewsRapid City to Kadoka bike path proposal sparks debate

Rapid City to Kadoka bike path proposal sparks debate

A new bike path connecting Rapid City and Kadoka through the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands could be in the works.

But for the people whose property is along the proposed path, the proposed path has become a frustration.

At a public meeting Thursday in Kadoka, members of the Department of Transportation laid out the proposed use of federal enhancement fund grants, which would need to be partially matched.

Proponents of the trail say the resulting economic boom would help it pay for itself.

Opponents cite liability, privacy and maintenance concerns.

With a show of hands, it appeared slightly more than half the room was in favor of the proposal.

"We own a restaurant and a motel and it would certainly help our businesses," said JoAnne Stilwell of Kadoka. "Plus, any of the other businesses in town. Not just a motel, but your service stations, your grocery stores."

"My biggest concern is the fire rescue and then the fence," said Kelly Fortune, a rancher in Interior. "Who is going to build a fence and then maintain it?"

"If they cut out all the tourism from South Dakota, the ranchers would be paying a lot more than they are now and so would the rest of us," said Nora Prang of Kadoka.

"I'm not really for them," said Clede Pritchard of Weta. "And probably for the reasons he stated, that nobody is for them."