S.D. official says state's highway revenue not matching needs

A South Dakota official warns that roads such as Highway 34, will continue to deteriorate unless new funding is found.

The Associated Press

7/18/2008

MITCHELL, S.D. — State roads will continue to deteriorate because falling gas tax revenue can't match rising construction costs, a state official said.

"Right now, 3 percent of our (pavement) is in poor condition. That number will be 19 percent in 2020," said Kevin Tveidt, the deputy secretary for the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

The roads that are in good condition will plummet from the current 37 percent to only 28 percent in 2020, Tveidt told about 75 people Thursday at a regional meeting for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The state's bridges are also deteriorating, Tveidt said.

Tveidt said federal funding for state highways have been relatively flat since 2005 and likely will fall in 2009.

He said the state received $241 million in 2005 and about $269 million in 2008, but can expect $71.4 million less for federal fiscal year 2009 or about $195.4 million.

"Federal funds are not enough to make up for inflation," Tveidt said.

Tim Bjorneberg, project development engineer for the DOT, said the state has doubled its annual investments in chip and seal operations to preserve the condition of its best roads.

An interim legislative committee is reviewing highway funding.

"We are trying to find an area of revenue that does not come from the gas tax," said state Rep. Jim Putnam, R-Armour.

State Sen. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton, said she was disturbed by the projections for rapid deterioration of highways even with more spending on projects.

"What kind of priority system are we using?" she asked. "Are we going to lose some roads in South Dakota because we aren't able to maintain them?"

Audience members noted the conflicting national goals of encouraging a reduction in gas usage while at the same time relying on the gas tax to build and maintain roads and bridges.