This bill amends South Dakota law regarding the distribution of funds for county rural access infrastructure. It removes the previous requirement for the Department of Revenue to distribute a specific sum of three million dollars by August 1, 2021, for planning and inventorying small structures. Instead, it establishes a new framework for distributing appropriated funds based on the number of small structures on township and county secondary roads within each county. The allocation will be calculated as a percentage of the total number of such structures statewide, ensuring that each county receives funds proportionate to its needs.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $100 from the general fund to the Department of Revenue for distribution to county rural access infrastructure funds in three equal amounts over the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Revenue's secretary in approving vouchers and the state auditor in drawing warrants for expenditures. Any unspent funds by June 30, 2030, will revert according to established procedures. The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/24/2025: 31-34-2
Senate Transportation Engrossed, 02/05/2025: 31-34-2
Joint Appropriations Engrossed, 02/27/2025: 31-34-2