While the nation’s infrastructure earned a “D+” in the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, South Dakota faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in South Dakota costs each driver $564 per year, and 18.6% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in South Dakota are an estimated $6.12 billion, and wastewater needs total $166 million. 90 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $125 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes South Dakota’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, South Dakota, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
58 public-use airports
Bridges
1,081 (18.58%) of the 5,818 bridges are structurally deficient
Dams
90 high hazard dams
Dams with EAPS
95% of the state regulated dams have an Emergency Action Plan
Drinking Water
$6.12 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years
Hazardous Waste
2 sites on the National Priorities List
Inland Waterways
80 miles of inland waterways, ranking it 36th
Levees
181 miles of levees
Public Parks
$26.25 million of unmet needs for its parks system
Rail
2,029 miles of freight railroads across the state, ranking 33rd nationally
Road Costs
$563 per motorist per year in costs from driving on roads in need of repair
Roads
82,584 miles of Public Roads, with 13% in poor condition
Schools
$125 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures
Transit
2,921,938 annual unlinked passenger trips via transit systems including bus, transit, and commuter trains
Wastewater
$166 million in wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years
We can no longer afford to defer investment in our nation’s critical infrastructure systems.
Smart investment will only be possible with leadership, planning, and a clear vision for our nation’s infrastructure.
We have to utilize new approaches, materials, and technologies to ensure our infrastructure is more resilient.
U.S. Department of Transportation Releases Automated Vehicle Policy Statement
April 01, 2020
From the horse carriage to the invention of the automobile and now the development of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), technology continues to redefine how...
COVID-19 Relief Package Includes Win for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund
March 27, 2020
The nation’s ports got a little love in the recently passed CARES Act, the colossal stimulus package that provides COVID-19 relief. In this legislation is...
COVID-19 Stimulus Relief Package Must Address Drinking Water, Wastewater
March 25, 2020
Safe and accessible drinking water. Properly treated wastewater. Reliable electricity that keeps the lights on. Ports and airports to move goods through the country and...
America Scores a D+
@YourCongressPerson
The 2017 Infrastructure Report Card gives our nation a D+ across 16 infrastructure categories #InfrastructureMatters
Fix the Trust Fund
@YourCongressPerson
#FixTheTrustFund to put us on a road to better transportation! #InfrastructureMatters
