The term “operating property” shall mean and include all tracks and right–of–way, station grounds, all structures, and improvements on such right–of–way or station grounds, all rights and franchises, all rolling stock and car equipment, and all other property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, connected with or used in the operation of the railroad, including real estate contiguous to railroad right–of–way or station grounds held for reasonable expansion or future development.

Source: SL 1915, ch 100, § 5; RC 1919, § 6600; SL 1923, ch 112; SDC 1939, § 57.1301.