Keystone pipeline: What happened to two small South Dakota towns after Biden dropped the pipeline permit

After a decade of stop-and-go progress, the project spearheaded by Canadian energy giant TC Energy seemed tangible for residents of central South Dakota.

Along I-90, small towns lie dormant waiting for warmer weather and a return of tourism to kick into high gear. Visitors headed for Mount Rushmore provide an economic lifeline for these small communities. And the pipeline had begun to emerge as another revenue stream that would keep towns afloat year round.

“When TransCanada came along, we were, from a business standpoint, very excited. Because it’s growth, it’s opportunities,” said Jeff…