Calcolin, executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Westway (US‑85), thanked commissioners for long‑term support and updated them on corridor work, including a recent $55 million federal grant plus state matching dollars and additional state funds for a 6.5‑mile stretch that will be bid this fall.

"We got a $55,000,000 grant, from the federal and then we got the matching dollars from the state plus another 100,000,000 to do those 6 and a half miles," Calcolin said, describing the phase that will run from the south end of the Long Higgs Bridge up to Highway 200. He said that phase will be a challenging, expensive segment and is expected to be under construction for about two years once contracts are executed.

Calcolin described subsequent phases in planning, some scheduled for construction in the late 2020s, and said recent state legislation requires the Department of Transportation to pursue environmental review from Interstate 94 to the South Dakota border. He said the group is seeking resolutions or letters of support for the corridor ahead of a federal surface transportation reauthorization that could provide additional planning and environmental funding.

When asked about the relationship between an I‑27 designation and the US‑85 corridor plans, Calcolin said long‑term work seeks planning funding for an interstate designation and that designation would be part of a broader planning and benefit‑cost analysis process. "Long term, when we look at the funding, we're gonna ask for funding for the interstate designation or planning for an interstate," he said.

Calcolin emphasized tourism connectivity and safety improvements, noting the corridor links Mount Rushmore, the Theodore Roosevelt presidential library and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. He asked commissioners to consider letters of support rather than local resolutions if that aligns better with county preferences.

No formal county action on the corridor was recorded at the meeting; Calcolin's presentation was informational and staff noted they had circulated attachments and resolution templates for commissioners to review.