Minnehaha County approves 14 federal bridge‑replacement resolutions, requiring 18.05% local matches

Minnehaha County commissioners on June 16 approved a package of 14 Federal Aid Bridge Replacement Program resolutions to program construction on local bridges identified as needing replacement.

Highway Superintendent DJ Buthe presented the new Local Federal Bridge Replacement Program and identified 14 county structures that meet the National Bridge Inventory criteria for federal funding. The program, approved by the South Dakota Transportation Commission in March 2020, provides an 81.95% federal share and an 18.05% local match for eligible replacements. On a motion by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Karsky, the commission approved Resolutions MC20‑33 through MC20‑46 by roll call vote (5 ayes).

Votes at a glance (resolution — structure number — general location — estimated total cost — federal/local share):

MC20‑33 — Structure 50‑137‑040 — 3.7 miles east of Colton — $1,085,641 — Federal $889,683 / Local $195,958. MC20‑34 — Structure 50‑137‑217 — 2.2 south and 1.3 west of Ellis — $407,964 — Federal $334,326 / Local $73,638. MC20‑35 — Structure 50‑144‑020 — 2.0 north and 4.4 east of Colton — $1,537,199 — Federal $1,259,735 / Local $277,464. MC20‑36 — Structure 50‑189‑140 — 1.6 mile west of Renner — $2,427,533 — Federal $1,989,363 / Local $438,170. MC20‑37 — Structure 50‑208‑130 — 1 mile north and 0.3 mile east of Renner — $430,208 — Federal $352,555 / Local $77,653. MC20‑38 — Structure 50‑216‑015 — 1.2 miles east and 0.2 miles north of Dell Rapids — $449,960 — Federal $368,742 / Local $81,218. MC20‑39 — Structure 50‑219‑015 — 1.5 miles east and 0.2 miles north of Dell Rapids — $462,092 — Federal $378,684 / Local $83,408. MC20‑40 — Structure 50‑237‑120 — 3.7 mile east and 6.0 mile south of Baltic — $497,342 — Federal $407,572 / Local $89,770. MC20‑41 — Structure 50‑242‑060 — 4.2 miles east of Baltic — $586,633 — Federal $480,746 / Local $105,887. MC20‑42 — Structure 50‑272‑030 — 6.8 mile east and 1.3 mile south of Dell Rapids — $457,613 — Federal $375,014 / Local $82,599. MC20‑43 — Structure 50‑273‑090 — 3.7 miles west of Garretson — $420,599 — Federal $344,681 / Local $75,918. MC20‑44 — Structure 50‑290‑131 — 2.9 mile north and 1.0 mile east of Corson — $467,332 — Federal $382,979 / Local $84,353. MC20‑45 — Structure 50‑330‑159 — 2.1 miles north of Valley Springs — $430,208 — Federal $352,255 / Local $77,653. MC20‑46 — Structure 50‑330‑183 — Northwest corner of Valley Springs — $1,066,165 — Federal $873,722 / Local $192,443.

Why it matters: Replacing county bridges rated Poor/Serious/Critical affects local transportation safety, school and mail routes, and farm‑to‑market access. The federal program covers the majority of project costs; the local match will be borne by Minnehaha County or local partners and may affect future capital planning.

Next steps: The resolutions authorize the South Dakota Department of Transportation to program the projects for construction; specific schedules and final budgets will be set in coordination with state staff.