While the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, South Dakota faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in South Dakota costs each driver $562 per year, and 17% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in South Dakota are an estimated $730 million. 90 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $125 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes South Dakota’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st-century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, South Dakota, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
5 major airports
Bridges
5,821 bridges, 17% of which were structurally deficient in 2019
Dams
90 high hazard dams
Drinking Water
$730 million total drinking water need over 20 years
Energy
162 outages between 2008 and 2017
Hazardous Waste
4 Superfund sites
Inland Waterways
80 miles of inland waterways
Levees
177 miles of levees protect 27,900 residents.
Public Parks
$75,510,785 in deferred park maintenance
Rail
2,029 miles of rail across the state
Roads
14% of roads are in poor condition. Each motorist pays $562 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair
Schools
$125 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures.
Solid Waste
818,730 tons of municipal solid waste
Stormwater
$1.68 average monthly fee
Transit
2.9 million passenger trips in 2018
Wastewater
$166 million in wastewater needs
Smart investment will only be possible with strong leadership, decisive action, and a clear vision for our nation’s infrastructure.
If the United States is serious about achieving an infrastructure system fit for the future some specific steps must be taken, beginning with increased, long-term, consistent investment.
We must utilize new approaches, materials, and technologies to ensure our infrastructure can withstand or quickly recover from natural or man-made hazards.
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