New legislation provides rural access infrastructure funding
Legislation passed by the 2026 legislature and signed by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden will give counties additional funding to repair and replace deficient culverts and small bridges on township and county secondary roads. SB240 provides an additional $5 million to help counties and townships inventory their small structures, plan needed improvements and pay for repair or replacement.
SB236 also extends the Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) program and allows non-obligated or unspent funds to be redistributed to other counties with unmet needs.
“These funds promote local control, enabling communities to put dollars to work in ways that best strengthen their infrastructure,” said Rhoden. “I was proud to sign these bills into law to sustain a vital, safe transportation system.”
