South Dakota Department of Transportation

The meeting commenced with no conflicts of interest disclosed by Commission members. The Secretary's Report detailed federal funding appropriations, including specific amounts for Rapid City Airport, Sioux Falls Airport, the SD 44 Platte-Winner Bridge, and preliminary design in Box Elder. Legislative updates covered state bills, including Senate Bill 71 regarding NEPA compliance assumption by the Department and bills concerning the Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) program. Staff also reported on the Smithfield relocation study requiring additional traffic impact analysis for the Crooks/Renner I-29 interchange. The Commission received informational updates on Construction Change Orders (CCOs) across various regions, noting several projects with significant cost changes. Bid letting results from February 18, 2026, were presented, and the Commission voted to approve all submitted bids. Further actions included approving the resolution to transfer state-acquired highway right-of-way property to the city of Rapid City and approving revisions to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), including adding projects and updating costs. The Commission also approved recommendations for 2026 Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) applications for preservation and rehabilitation/replacement, and approved recommended awards for 2026 Transportation Alternative Project (TAP) applications.

The meeting included a review for potential conflicts of interest, during which none were disclosed. The Authority addressed public input, although no members of the public provided comments. A significant agenda item involved the consideration of transferring the Wolsey Interchange Facility from the Authority to the Department of Transportation, which was subsequently authorized via a motion and resulted in the adoption of Resolution #2026-A01.

The Tripp County Master Transportation Plan (MTP) provides a strategic framework to guide decisions and investments in the County's transportation infrastructure. It focuses on addressing critical issues such as updating functional classifications, clarifying jurisdictional assignments, optimizing funding mechanisms, and establishing consistent design and maintenance standards for both paved and unpaved roadways. The plan's vision is to enhance regional connectivity, ensure transportation safety, and support economic and social well-being across Tripp County over a 20-year planning horizon, while also prioritizing bridge repair and replacement.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the presentation and approval of conflict of interest waiver requests for Commissioners Ivan Venner (related to Hot Springs Airport employment) and Court Ecklund (related to Lincoln County Airport lease and Henry Carlson Construction employment/affiliates). The Commission conducted elections for officers, confirming Bob Huggins as Chair and Rolf Johnson as Vice-chair. State share funding increases for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant projects at Wessington Springs, Pierre Regional, Canton Municipal, and Belle Fourche Municipal Airports were approved. Fuel tax fund requests were approved for Hot Springs, Mitchell, and Miller Airports. The Commission also approved the CY2026 State airport certification list for 68 airports, approved Howard Municipal Airport for public use with a daylight-only restriction contingent upon tree trimming, and approved the change of operation status for Bowdle Municipal Airport from private to public use.

The meeting began with a quorum confirmation and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, none of which were presented. A key action was the approval of the January 21, 2026 meeting minutes, with a minor edit regarding the description of consolidated agency boards related to Senate Bill 70. Following a brief period for public input, the Board entered into executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation and contractual matters. Upon returning to the regular session, the Secretary's Report included updates on Federal Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and state legislative matters. The Board subsequently considered sale or lease proposals for the state-owned Napa-Platte railroad line, ultimately rejecting all proposals due to insufficient anticipated benefits to the State and the potential for significant financial commitment without clear shipping needs. The Board then authorized railbanking the section of the line from Napa Junction to Tyndall to protect the line from abandonment while an economic feasibility study is prepared. Future actions noted include rebidding maintenance contracts for tree removal, weed control, and mowing, and the Department's request for $40 million in budget authority for current STC grants.