Huron agrees to SD DOT encroachment terms for SD Highway 37 project, project targeted for 2027

The Huron City Commission approved a maintenance and encroachment agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation for work on SD Highway 37, city staff said during the meeting.

Engineering staff said the agreement mirrors prior encroachment language and covers shared responsibilities such as traffic-signal maintenance and reimbursement for work that falls outside DOT limits. "It really is basically verbatim of the last encroachment agreement that we signed," staff said, adding that DOT attorneys often present standard take-it-or-leave-it language on such contracts.

Staff warned that the DOT controls the overall schedule; the city's intended schedule is for the project to proceed in 2027, with DOT likely to bid the work in the fall but with final prioritization subject to DOT’s statewide project rankings. Staff said the city’s portion of design plans is essentially complete and that mobilization and cost-share accounting will be adjusted after bids come in.

Commissioner Smith asked whether the project remains slated for 2027; staff replied that is the intent unless DOT changes its schedule. Staff also noted a $50,000 grant intended for tree replacement connected to the project and said that grant may need reassessment if the project is pushed beyond 2027 because the grant expires in 2027.

The commission approved the agreement by roll call. Staff said the city will continue coordination with DOT and will schedule public informational meetings if DOT does not hold them.