South Dakota
Association of Towns and Townships
Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF)
SDCL 31-34 (Established in 2021)
“An act to make an appropriation for rural access infrastructure improvement”.
RAIF Resources
PDF and web links are listed below for your access
Applications:
Electronic: 5-Year Plan & Inventory List
(click on link, then scroll down to RAIF templates)
SDDOT Small Structure Inventory Handbook
Map and Inventory Database Access
Inventory Correction Guide
Documentation Reminder:
Townships should receive and retain a copy of their inventory worksheets and all related documentation for their records.
Culvert and Small Structure Replacement Grant
The Rural Access Infrastructure Fund was established in 2021 which required your county establish a line item in their budget to hold these grant funds. This funding is separate from the county’s general fund.
The allocation each county receives is based on the proportion of reported structures and culverts within the county relative to the entire state. Every 3 years, any unallocated funds revert back into the RAIF fund at the state level for redistribution between the 65 participating counties.
Important Deadlines:
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August 31: Townships must submit their 5-Year Structure Improvement Plan to the County Highway Superintendent annually.
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October 31: Deadline to submit grant applications each year.
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By January 15: Grant awards will be determined and distributed by the county commissioners in the following year.