Bridge Improvement Grants
The Bridge Improvement Grants from the South Dakota Department of Transportation fund engineering and research-driven projects to preserve, rehabilitate, and replace local government-owned bridges across South Dakota.
Funder: South Dakota Department of Transportation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (5-Year Plan submission) | January 2, 2027 (Preservation/Rehab/Replacement Grants) | August 1, 2027 (Preliminary Engineering Grants) | September 1, 2027 (Preservation Grants pre-app)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15 million available annually; 80% grant/20% local match; typical minimums: $30,000 (Preservation), $100,000 (Rehab/Replacement), $8M max per LPA in 3 years.
Summary: Supports South Dakota local governments in planning, engineering, preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement of county/city-owned bridges.
Key Information: Counties must impose a wheel tax and maintain an approved 5-Year Plan for eligibility.
Description
The South Dakota Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) program, administered by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), provides substantial state funding to support local governments in the planning, engineering, preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement of eligible bridges. The program aims to enhance the safety, functionality, and longevity of county and city-owned bridges across South Dakota. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, with projects evaluated for criticality, user impact, and local planning commitments. The program is structured around a recurring annual cycle and requires strategic planning through a Five-Year County Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan.
