Commission hears federal funding outlook; $24M BUILD award for South Veterans Parkway noted

Secretary Joel Jundt summarized the federal funding environment and program updates, flagging a near‑term risk to highway program funding if Congress does not complete reauthorization. He told the Commission it is "likely that an extension of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will be the vehicle needed to be passed to maintain the highway program." The House had passed a continuing resolution to fund federal operations through Dec. 4, 2026, and reauthorization timing remains uncertain.

Jundt also reported that SDDOT was awarded a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the South Veterans Parkway project; the award includes a $2.2 million share to the City of Sioux Falls. The minutes describe the BUILD award as discretionary funding that will supplement the Department’s federal formula funding.

The Secretary’s report included a separate update on FY2019 HIP funds previously apportioned to local government agencies (LGAs), noting six LGAs had not expended their full allocations (approximately $286,971 outstanding) and that two LGAs requested additional extensions (Jackson County ~$173,037 and City of Egan ~$5,378). The Department advised those LGAs they will have until Dec. 31, 2027 to expend the funds or be billed for reimbursement.

The minutes do not include staff estimates of the statewide fiscal impact if reauthorization is delayed beyond existing continuing resolutions; they record the legislative timing and grant award facts presented to the Commission.