PIERRE, SD — The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recently provided nearly $40 million in state highway funding to counties and Class I city governments. The funds will be provided to the local governments in either state highway funds or through federal aid projects. This funding provides counties and Class 1 cities additional resources to improve their highways and bridges and to address immediate critical infrastructure needs. “The Transportation Commission and the South Dakota Department of Transportation recognize the need for our counties and cities to invest in local priorities,” Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt said. “Although there is not a law requiring allocation of state highway funds to local governmental entities, the Transportation Commission has consistently recognized the interconnection of transportation systems, regardless of ownership, and the need for local control of investments. These state funds provide funding flexibility and help our partners maintain and enhance their local transportation systems.” Over $28 million of state highway funds were recently provided. These funds are comprised of fuel tax and excise tax. Nearly $11 million in funds will be used to offset loans for existing or future projects. Additionally, a little more than $0.5 million will be provided to counties to improve pavement markings on paved roads. All 66 counties, and the 18 Class 1 cities with a population over 5,000, will receive state highway funding to help maintain, preserve, repair, and reconstruct roads and bridges. Generally, transportation projects for local governments are funded through annual license plate fees, fees instituted in the county such as wheel tax, and various other levies. The Transportation Commission has authorized over $140 million in transportation funding to local governments over the last year in the form of grants, state funding, and federal aid.