South Dakota Transportation Commission Awards Economic Development Grants for Infrastructure Improvement

For Immediate Release:
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Contact:
Julie Stevenson, SDDOT Communications, 605-773-2898

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Transportation Commission recently awarded approximately $2.36 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to rural communities across the state. The funds are designated to improve roads leading to schools, main business areas, hospitals, grain elevators, and other economic areas within a community. The economic development grants may cover 80 percent of the construction costs up to a maximum of $500,000 for Industrial Park Grants and $600,000 for Community Access and Agri-business Grants.

"South Dakota rural communities are able to grow and thrive through the economic development grants provided by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT)," said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. "By supporting local infrastructure improvements, we're helping communities strengthen their economies, create opportunities, and build a foundation for continued growth today and into the future."

The following Community Access Grants were awarded by the Transportation Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026:

● City of Bryant - $600,000 grant award for Railway Street which serves Farmers Union Co-op and the downtown business area;

● City of Hoven - $556,200 grant award for Railroad Avenue and O'Gorman Street which serves the local grain elevator;

● City of Leola - $600,000 grant award for Leola Avenue which serves the local school; and

● City of Parker - $600,000 grant award for Main Avenue which serves the main business area and the schools.

Find economic development grant program information and the application process on the SDDOT website here or by contacting Paula Huizenga, Grants Program Engineer, at 605-773-6253.

Applications are still being accepted for Industrial Park and Agri-business Grants through Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, to complete the 2027 grant cycle.

About SDDOT:
The mission of the South Dakota Department of Transportation is to provide a safe and efficient public transportation system.

Read more about the innovative work of the SDDOT at https://dot.sd.gov.

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