The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recently awarded all 66 counties and 18 Class I city governments nearly $40 million in state highway funding to support highway and bridge projects and address immediate critical infrastructure needs. Class 1 cities have a population of more than 5,000.
Slightly more than $500,000 was awarded to counties to improve pavement markings. Nearly $11 million will be used to offset loans for existing or future projects. More than $28 million was provided in state highway funds.
“The Transportation Commission and the South Dakota Department of Transportation recognize the need for our counties and cities to invest in local priorities,” Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt said. “Although there is not a law requiring allocation of state highway funds to local governmental entities, the Transportation Commission has consistently recognized the interconnection of transportation systems, regardless of ownership, and the need for local control of investments. These state funds provide funding flexibility and help our partners maintain and enhance their local transportation systems.”
Transportation projects for local governments generally are funded through annual license plate fees, the wheel tax and various other levies. State highway funds come from the fuel tax and excise tax.