Rural Access Infrastructure Fund Program
The Rural Access Infrastructure Fund Program supports South Dakota counties and townships in upgrading small bridges and culverts on rural secondary roads through planning, engineering, and construction funding.
Funder: South Dakota Department of Transportation
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Funding applications) | August 31, 2027 (5-Year Small Structure Improvement Plans)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards vary by project; counties and townships must provide at least 20% match; recent state appropriations have ranged from $3M–$25M per cycle.
Summary: Supports South Dakota counties and townships in repairing and replacing culverts and small bridges on township and county secondary roads.
Key Information: Only eligible structures on township/county secondary roads qualify; annual and improvement plan deadlines apply.
Description
This program provides financial assistance to South Dakota counties and townships for the repair, replacement, and improvement of culverts and small bridges (collectively "small structures") on township and county secondary roads. The goal is to ensure safer and more reliable rural transportation by supporting local governments in inventorying, planning, and funding critical small structure projects. Funding covers planning, engineering, and construction costs for eligible structures, with a required local match.
