The South Dakota Transportation Commission has allocated $4 million in economic development grants to support infrastructure upgrades across rural counties and smaller municipalities. These funds, distributed during a meeting on December 18, 2025, will cover up to 80 percent of construction costs—capped at $600,000 per project—for roads serving essential community hubs such as schools, hospitals, business districts, and agricultural facilities like grain elevators. Recipients include the cities of Crooks, Deadwood, Hartford, Hecla, and Sinai, each receiving allocations ranging from $193,800 to the maximum allowable amount. Additional funding was awarded under the Agri-Business Grant program to Yankton County and Fort Pierre for road improvements serving key agricultural enterprises. According to Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt, these investments are crucial for enabling economic growth in areas that might otherwise lack the financial capacity to modernize critical infrastructure. The grants are seen as a catalyst for long-term regional development and improved access to vital services.
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South Dakota Transportation Commission Awards Economic Development Grants
Julie Stevenson, Strategic Communications Coordinator n nPIERRE, S.D. – At the South Dakota Transportation Commission meeting held on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, commissioners awarded $4 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to counties and smaller communities across South Dakota. The economic development grant funds are designated to improve roads leading to schools, main business areas, hospitals, grain elevators, and other economic-based areas within a community. The grants provide funding for 80 percent of the construction costs to a maximum of $600,000. n n“These economic development grants have proven to be a vital part of improving and strengthening our state’s infrastructure,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “Without the grant funds, many rural communities would not have the financial ability to foster economic development. Thankfully, these dollars will help position our local communities for long-term success.” n nFollowing is the list of grants awarded by the Transportation Commission at the December meeting: n nCommunity Access Grants: n nCity of Crooks received $600,000 for 3rd and 4th Streets, 1st Avenue, and Park Drive which serve the truck route and business area; n nCity of Deadwood received $600,000 for Crescent Street which serves the rodeo grounds; n nCity of Hartford received $600,000 for Western Avenue which serves a business area; n nCity of Hecla received $547,000 for Pine Street and Depot Street which serve the elevator; and n nCity of Sinai received $193,800 for Park Avenue which serves a business area. n nAgri-Business Grants: n nYankton County received $518,500 for 439th Avenue which serves Yaggie’s, Inc.; n nFort Pierre received $463,000 for Buffalo Road which serves Sioux Nation; and