South Dakota’s Representative Pushes for Major Infrastructure Investment: A New Era for Roads and Bridges

South Dakota is set to benefit significantly from a landmark decision in Washington, D.C., as U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to invest in America’s critical transportation and infrastructure, with a keen focus on prioritizing local needs and safeguarding against potential threats. This comes as part of the comprehensive Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development (BUILD) for America’s 250th Act, which secured a bipartisan 66-2 vote in the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

Dusty Johnson

“America’s roads, bridges, and railways are among our most important assets,” stated Johnson. “People use roads every day to get to and from work, school, or the doctor. For others, the roads are their office – they spend hours each day hauling goods across the country. Roads are critical to community life, the supply chain, and our national security. The BUILD America 250 Act provides a strong investment in our transportation system to keep America moving and allows states to address their unique needs.”

Central to this legislative effort is ensuring that South Dakota, a state known for its vast rural landscapes and agricultural backbone, sees substantial benefits. The act promises more than $2 billion in federal highway funding and over $460 million in bridge funding for South Dakota over the next five years, more than doubling its previous allocation. This influx of resources is anticipated to significantly enhance infrastructure reliability and safety, promoting efficient transportation and economic growth.

Christine Erickson, President of the South Dakota Trucking Association, expressed strong support for the initiative. “A long-term, sustainable surface transportation bill is essential for keeping freight moving safely and efficiently across South Dakota and the nation. Investments in our roads, bridges, and supply chain infrastructure support economic development, strengthen rural connectivity, and ensure that the trucking industry can continue delivering for American families and businesses.”

Christine Erickson

Given the rural nature and the economic focus on agriculture and transportation, South Dakota’s citizens and industries stand to gain immensely. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews will be streamlined, promising faster implementation of projects that are vital for the state’s connectivity and economy.

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the BUILD America 250 Act is its focus on safety and security. Dusty Johnson successfully incorporated the Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act within this bill, which prohibits the Department of Transportation from using LiDAR technology from foreign adversaries, like China. Such measures highlight the focus on protecting American infrastructure from potential foreign surveillance threats, which is critical for maintaining the security and integrity of nationwide transport systems.

• $45 billion earmarked for bridge program funding, marking the largest-ever investment in American bridges, addressing the urgent need for repairs or replacements.
• $750 million to expand truck parking, crucial for tackling the nationwide shortage and enhancing logistics efficiency.
• Promotion of work zone safety and law enforcement efforts to ensure a safer traveling environment.
• Measures to combat cargo theft, a significant challenge costing the freight industry over $18 million per day, aiming to reduce consumer costs through enhanced security.
• Development of a ten-year pilot program for states, including South Dakota, to voluntarily increase truck weights on federal interstates up to 91,000 lbs. on six axles, thus improving recruitment and retention within the trucking industry.
• Special exemptions for livestock haulers from electronic logging devices and hours-of-service requirements when traveling within a 150-air-mile radius from destinations.

With this significant federal support, South Dakota is better positioned to handle the challenges of maintaining and developing its infrastructure to support its citizens’ needs and future growth. The dedicated funding will ensure that necessary updates and expansions to road networks can proceed without the delays often caused by red tape and permitting issues, thus addressing long-standing infrastructural deficiencies.

As the BUILD America 250 Act proceeds from committee to full legislative approval, South Dakota stands at the brink of transformative infrastructural progress, aligning with its historical spirit of perseverance and innovation. These initiatives not only promise improved transportation routes and safety but also set the stage for a stronger, more dynamic economic future for the state.

For more information on this legislative progress and its impact on South Dakota, please read the full bill text here.