Tim helps dedicate Exit 61 at I-90 and the Southeast Connector

Because of the great distances we travel in South Dakota, we are extremely dependent on surface transportation for economic development and daily life. Without adequate roads and infrastructure, the economy and residents of South Dakota will suffer. I support full and adequate funding for highway and transit projects, as well as the infrastructure and support systems these modes of transportation depend on. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to make certain South Dakota receives its fair share of funding for crucial infrastructure projects.

Investing in South Dakota's Infrastructure

Through multi-year surface transportation bills, Congress provides a guaranteed funding stream for highway, transit, and road safety projects throughout the United States. South Dakota and the nation have greatly benefited from a consistent level of funding, which has resulted in new roads and improvements throughout our state. In 2005, Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (SAFETEA).

SAFETEA is a five-year transportation authorization bill covering America's highway, transit, and road safety network. The final bill provides $286.5 billion in federal funding. As a conferee that helped negotiate the final bill, I believe that in many respects, passage of SAFETEA is a home-run for South Dakota's economy.
SAFETEA invests in South Dakota's road infrastructure. Over the five-year life of the bill, South Dakota will receive a total of $1.3 billion in road building funding, an increase of 30 percent over the previous federal transportation bill. That increase will boost South Dakota's share of highway funding by approximately $60 million per year. Ensuring an equitable rate of return to South Dakota through the federal highway formula is the single most consequential accomplishment secured to our state through this bill.

In addition to greatly improving funding for surface transportation, the bill also more than doubles the amount of federal funding directed toward South Dakota's network of transit providers, increasing funding by a whopping 231% over the previous authorization. In rural areas of our state, a reliable transit system is a crucial link connecting people to their doctors, family, and jobs.

The South Dakota congressional delegation, working collaboratively, was also able to secure a total of $250 million in additional funding for high priority projects. These funds are in addition to the five-year $1.3 billion total. These specific infrastructure projects are located throughout all corners of South Dakota, from completion of the Heartland Expressway in western South Dakota, to expansion of road and rail projects in Sioux Falls. These projects are vital to our state's economy and future economic development. Furthermore, more than three-dozen earmarks secured for South Dakota projects will allow the South Dakota Department of Transportation to complete road projects on budget and ahead of schedule.

In 2009, Congress will need to reauthorize the federal-aid highway program. Throughout that process, I will continue to fight for South Dakota's interests and ensure that our state retains the investments in public infrastructure necessary to compete for jobs and businesses in the 21st Century. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for robust investment in nation's transportation system, and I will work to ensure that the Highway Trust Fund is able to fulfill the obligations outlined in SAFETEA and our future needs.