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Transportation Commission approves bids, multiple right-of-way transfers and a condemnation resolution
Summary
At its May 28 meeting in Pierre, the South Dakota Transportation Commission approved a slate of contract awards, adopted resolutions transferring and abandoning multiple parcels to local governments, authorized condemnation for a culvert project, and reviewed STIP cost updates and federal legislation prospects.
The South Dakota Transportation Commission convened May 28, 2026 in Pierre and approved several bids, property transfers and formal resolutions affecting local right-of-way and construction projects.
Chairman Austin Simons called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Secretary Joel Jundt led the Secretary’s Report, highlighting federal legislation under consideration (House bill H.R. 8870, the “BUILD America 250 Act”) and SDDOT’s receipt of the Performance Excellence Network Excellence Award for 2025. "the South Dakota DOT has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to continuous process improvement and performance excellence throughout its journey and is very deserving of earning the Excellence Award honor," Jundt reported, quoting PEN’s president and chief executive officer.
On formal actions, commissioners approved multiple bid awards from May 20 and May 27 lettings, authorized transfers of state-owned right-of-way to the cities of Rapid City and Sioux Falls (Resolutions 2026–5.1 and 2026–5.2), approved transfers and abandonments in Codington County (Resolutions 2026–5.3 and 2026–5.4), vacated a permanent easement in Clark County (Resolution 2026–5.5), and authorized conveyance and disposal of Codington County parcels (Resolutions 2026–5.6 and 2026–5.7). The Commission also adopted a condemnation resolution for project IM 0012(306) in Roberts County (Resolution 2026–5.8) after staff reported unsuccessful negotiations for certain property interests.
Commissioners received informational STIP revisions raising costs on selected projects — notably a dynamic message board installation updated to $5.9 million for FY2026 — and heard a staff presentation on use of contractual incentives and disincentives. The meeting recessed for an executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(3) to consult with legal counsel; session minutes record no public comment during the meeting. The Commission adjourned at 11:28 a.m. CT.
What comes next: staff will proceed with the approved transfers and bid contracts, implement the STIP revisions logged for FY2026, and continue to monitor federal reauthorization developments affecting formula and discretionary grant programs.
