The network of highways across South Dakota that receive federal funding play a crucial role in tying the nation together and facilitating movement of people and goods. These connecting roads enable agricultural exports and support ethanol production and energy extraction industries that are located largely in rural areas. These highways are also a lifeline for remotely located and economically challenged citizens, such as those living on tribal reservations, and they serve as a bridge for truck and personal traffic between other states, advancing interstate commerce and mobility.

During my time in Congress I have worked hard to support the surface transportation needs of South Dakota, coordinating my efforts with South Dakota’s Department of Transportation. Some projects I have helped secure federal funding for include:

• Meridian Bridge
• Heartland Expressway
• US 18 on Rosebud Reservation
• Route 900 on the Cheyenne River Reservation
• I-90 Interchange at Marion Road west of Sioux Falls
• Highway 18 from Lake Andes to Highway 50
• BIA #2 on the Pine Ridge Reservation
• Railroad Underpass on Highway 34 in Pierre
• Expand bike trails in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and Pine Ridge
• South Dakota Advanced Traveler Information System

In May 2009, I submitted requests on behalf of our state to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is preparing to write a reauthorization of a comprehensive surface transportation bill that Congress seeks to pass every five years. I have posted a description of each request I submitted on this webpage: http://hersethsandlin.house.gov/highway.htm. I will also work hard to ensure that rural states like South Dakota are treated fairly under the funding formula that will be used to distribute federal funding for maintaining and expanding highway and transit infrastructure.

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