Clay County awards RAIF grants to Pleasant Valley and Prairie Center townships

Commissioners reviewed applications to the Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) and, after site visits and review of criteria, approved awards to two townships during January meetings. Gray‑Lobe and Kevin Brady noted the varying scope of requests and expressed a preference to direct limited county funds to higher‑maintenance roads; the board ultimately approved an award of $73,302.18 to Pleasant Valley Township and $43,000 to Prairie Center Township.

State’s Attorney Michael Smith advised the Board to review SDCL 31‑34 when considering applications and stressed that the county’s decisions on RAIF funding are final and not appealable. Members also discussed how the township match requirement (typically 20%) factors into award decisions; some applicants had asked for 100% funding and were advised to confirm they could meet the local match before approval. The Board tabled some other RAIF items to a future meeting to allow for updated estimates and local confirmation of matching funds.