[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6307250,"mediaKeyId","2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f","parentId",2433805,"title","Committee hears proposal for $825,000 transit match/grant pool; action deferred","audioSeconds",1103,"startMs",5897000,"endMs",7000000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f&start=5897&end=7000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f/thumbnail_5897000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307250/South-Dakota/Committee-hears-proposal-for-825000-transit-matchgrant-pool-action-deferred","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307250-1a635aafad45010028dca3aceb5ce3b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185174&Signature=BbOEtsH5B3gCSDEnvJqOd8KllYNSIHuICA0DU7XA-6p2J7A-j9NgOb4dbugNU-oe3bLORSaBj-bvaeKZkmTTBfL-OZermvdZaUR~c5nTFf50HFXRT-ox~KhLZoL~p~0SK9VZsI6~1wE8PpKpcsBujyZsDDrTMBnxU6Q5oiKrhFTK0RH1RNRsLVhS~v3B9oaDo1iW~JgBm1OVaUrgFWpNnUnnBQUb5RD37RFvHbPxLnXUg7p3qxqVRhD~Cto3egiWaEHGMNncnzcvuqszvTsitVQ5O3WMERWgnKwTXdmP7nA7tO5Qs5Fc61C4SC5z5kFvjjO7XDgG-1SjrOBu0PnWNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State of South Dakota","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 195, which would appropriate $825,000 to create a pool of revolving loans and/or grants to help public transit providers meet local matching requirements, was discussed and left pending for follow‑up.

Senator Randy Deibert, the bill sponsor, said the program is intended to help rural and small urban transit providers meet federal match rules (typically 10–20%) so they can leverage larger federal capital and operating awards. Eric Erickson with the South Dakota Transit Providers explained that current federal funding (Section 5307/5311 programs) leaves providers reliant on local matches and that small counties and communities struggle to raise the required local share quickly.

Several transit operators from around the state described operational pressures and the leverage a modest state match can provide. Barb Klein of Prairie Hills Transit said a $23,000 state match can unlock a $115,000 bus purchase for a rural provider. Gail Klute of People’s Transit in Huron described the gap between fare revenue and actual costs (she cited an average ride cost of about $11.40 while rider fares are $2.50–$3.50). Megan Goldstebele of Rapid Transit System told the committee the Rapid City youth‑ride‑free program has delivered hundreds of thousands of youth trips since 2016 but that local match constraints limit expansion.

The Bureau of Finance and Management raised questions about program structure, noting DOT already administers federal transit grants and that DOT does not currently operate loan programs for transit providers. Brandy Meissner asked how loans would be capitalized, what collateral or interest rules would apply, and how non‑payment would be handled.

Senator Deibert said the concept is flexible: the appropriation could be used for faster grants in some cases and loans in others, analogous to existing state programs that use scoring criteria. The committee deferred action on SB 195 for further work with the Department of Transportation and stakeholders; no final committee vote was taken at this hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Committee on Appropriations - Day 28","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 195 would create revolving loans and grants to help local public transit providers meet federal matching requirements. Proponents stressed benefits for seniors, veterans, Medicaid riders and workforce; the committee deferred action for further review.","taxTitle","2025 Legislative SD, South Dakota","taxId",77845,"location","South Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307255,"Committee tables $1.5 million request to rebuild Custer West Dam",1328,4562000,5890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f&start=4562&end=5890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f/thumbnail_4562000.jpg","/articles/6307255/South-Dakota/Committee-tables-15-million-request-to-rebuild-Custer-West-Dam","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307255-9afae2022c67cd506303720ae15b465f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185174&Signature=AiK~3RQEiZfAul57HQ5lQr2pJvTHQRFtyR9tjdUhV0IW4HTTZbhr2lH1PC8sNElAO-4rPrZpK9lrhpLwenXTa9Xu9WpAZLd5WTStnx8slWOQNhhPueTkFS1YAmX4vEVP47bpWkgJldRS78WfNG-hd4-2YymTsgQ1VSIPjsQeRmDOFQlN6p6ozRHBrl8dA6tDLlVsyR3r6IaxB4K5Suvv~bD1pQC6lBHUk5J4iAHUtr15knD4jKa7XRFY7DEiiZ4qDW653ihA1-BXA2~NmQJ7pHD7oyX6xqsfor4Zw1f1NF5ue-nw4vtkKJa0XF85fsaJk5TLAlZqbnduatstitjIuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 12‑37, a request for $1,500,000 to reconstruct West Dam in Custer, was tabled by the Joint Appropriations Committee after proponents outlined flood, fire‑suppression and tourism‑revenue justifications and the state budget office recommended opposition.

Leanne McCourter, representing the Custer Community Development Foundation and the city mayor, told the committee the dam — breached in 2012 and designated a high‑hazard dam in January 2024 — is central to flood mitigation, local water supply for firefighting and to tourism that generates state tax revenue. McCourter said the city has spent about $250,000 to start preliminaries, budgeted $1,000,000 for 2025 and local donors have committed about $1,300,000. The proponents said phase‑2 bids to remove silt had been issued and the $1.5 million request would go to phase‑3 construction.

Trent Bruce, a Custer resident and civil engineer working with the project, said the total reconstructed‑dam cost would be about $4 million after redesigns from an earlier, costlier plan and that local fundraising plus the requested state contribution would close the gap. Mike Tennyson, chairman of the local development fund and a local hotel owner, said receipts of about $1.25 million have already been deposited and urged support for life‑safety reasons.

The Bureau of Finance and Management opposed using general funds for a municipally‑owned recreational resource, noting the dam has been breached since 2012 and suggested federal grants and other sources be exhausted before state general funds are used. Yolanda Sun of the bureau noted several potential federal funding sources, including FEMA hazard programs and Bureau of Reclamation grants.

Representative Kolbeck moved to table HB 12‑37; Senator Voda seconded. The roll call produced 13 ayes, 4 nays and 1 excused; the motion to table passed and the bill was removed from active consideration at the hearing.

Proponents said they will continue to pursue federal and county grants and local fundraising; project leaders asked the committee to consider the dam’s role in community disaster resilience if the bill is later revived.","House Bill 12‑37 requested $1,500,000 in state funds for reconstruction of the West Dam in Custer. Proponents cited flood mitigation, fire suppression and tourism impacts; the Bureau of Finance and Management opposed state funding for a city‑owned recreational dam. The committee voted to table the bill.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307258,"Appropriations committee approves due‑pass for $5 million to backfill victim‑services gap",1781,2765000,4546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f&start=2765&end=4546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f/thumbnail_2765000.jpg","/articles/6307258/South-Dakota/Appropriations-committee-approves-duepass-for-5-million-to-backfill-victimservices-gap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307258-99cf72ade1ca7b3cdd471dc7a05ef3fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185174&Signature=H5qzpdnuiGzF97XMRj4f7hS2cEzqiL1U9vpInglaxGiPKIBs7LYk8nZDsd7Fy0SCjNtCP3lX~peV43bWVgEh0AI1a2bs76xvl7xGvJiJG0RyQNsKp9XgOfpSyiNFjIggmuoi~uaZHLCePF8rF4S4v5fWD6-D1rphW09uYUwGDcmUPhx2DpIwv9IARb~ovAi14Gtd6TYb2UaoMVDdHwyVb0JDJaLc0--doGgv0hXeCgX4xZGcMRGxJGdEFGw6sRYBOMUMmiWdUFCNkkpUx4gZcm4iSirV7dx5VF2ihsmFTGm~wPe-xGgjvJ0tY3gupkaGIeraVUxg8YbB~mYps-5zOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Appropriations Committee voted to give House Bill 12‑21 a due‑pass recommendation to the Legislature after hearing testimony that federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds have declined while demand for domestic‑violence, sexual‑assault and child‑abuse services has grown.

Representative Taylor Rayfelt, the bill sponsor, told the committee HB 12‑21 is a one‑time $5,000,000 appropriation to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and neglect. Rayfelt described the request as a “band‑aid” and said she intends to pursue a longer‑term solution with the governor’s office and the congressional delegation.

Multiple victim‑services providers and networks testified in support. Diana Miller of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault described a multi‑year fall in VOCA funding and distributed a packet summarizing 28 statewide agencies and recent funding shortfalls. Jennifer Staley of Children’s Home Society, which operates the largest domestic‑violence shelter in the state, said shelters are full, some have waiting lists, and the loss of federal reimbursements has forced difficult choices: “This is not a need that’s going away,” she said. Sarah Reinhart, executive director of Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center, said the funding is “life‑saving” for victims and that without it agencies will have to cut staff and services.

The Bureau of Finance and Management opposed the bill, urging caution about repeatedly using state general funds to replace federal awards and outlining the federal grant history that led to the current shortfall. Brandy Meissner told the committee federal VOCA awards have been variable and that one‑time state appropriations only bridge gaps temporarily.

After questions about the size of the funding gap, grant administration and whether previous one‑time appropriations were fully distributed, Senator Vilhauer moved a do‑pass recommendation; Representative Muckey seconded. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote and the secretary announced 15 yeas and 3 nays; the chair directed HB 12‑21 to the floor with a due‑pass report.

Committee members and witnesses said they will continue work on long‑term funding options while the one‑time appropriation — if approved by the Legislature — would be distributed through the appropriate state agency and grant process.","House Bill 12‑21 would provide a one‑time $5 million general‑fund appropriation to help victim‑services providers respond to a drop in federal VOCA funding. The committee gave the bill a due‑pass recommendation to the floor by voice and roll call (15 yeas, 3 nays).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307260,"Committee defers vote on $3.2 million ask for veteran skilled-trade center",2057,689000,2746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f&start=689&end=2746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433805-75ab66aa7eaf0bed17f49568259ec10f/thumbnail_689000.jpg","/articles/6307260/South-Dakota/Committee-defers-vote-on-32-million-ask-for-veteran-skilled-trade-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307260-f26d8e438f6565206523990b7968ba44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185174&Signature=SMO4NB8oz5xavSCnPaX1E0JnTI7OtxKN0~iPSBe~BP8SNVf6doITnDLTeTZ-MCT3vzU8dZJeogIUseDhFU23WDvYxccdxA~VXmzxrHpjw1a78ftvEF4-pG2jP-dFk5dW4NAUWjOgrn5NkRo4ZZbbldCvxuZz7iViNwVYw8moajDr7uMsFuGjgFKjoBPLQVzSdPYdGrkhCVV38~yA6PCF0O9FU2Q5RJW3fPX5f0vG0e0PZI6M4MLboBnpu-NFv9ZBhW~nI8hB27nM~HvC8HTWEkE0Ygc1DEngFr2fURTa5jhHplteHEza-T76SmMKzuZzkIYvX5~iDkKBH7dnA057lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 11‑63, a request for $3,218,777 in general funds to construct and equip a veteran skilled‑trade center near Hot Springs, drew a mix of emotional testimony and fiscal questions before the Joint Appropriations Committee deferred action.

Supporters said the center would provide transitional job skills to veterans coming out of treatment and rehabilitation programs. Representative Tim Goodwin, the bill sponsor, said the program’s goal is to “get them job skills” and help veterans re‑engage in stable employment. David Gates, founder and designer of the Veterans Helping Hands Project, said the center pairs construction training and small business incubation — including a meat‑cutting/market component he described as an incubator for veterans — and argued the model can reduce suicide risk by giving veterans purpose and skills. “As soon as we put a hammer in Logan’s hands, he changed,” Gates testified, attributing a life change to the work program.

The Bureau of Finance and Management urged opposition. Brandy Meissner told the committee the project traditionally would be expected to leverage private or local funding and raised questions about future phases and long‑term operating costs. Meissner asked, “Will additional general funds be needed to support those operations down the line?” and recommended against allocating one‑time general funds without clearer commitments.

Gates and Representative Goodwin said private fundraising and donated land reduce the state ask. Gates said the organizers have raised about $3.5 million and that 10 acres of land have been donated; Goodwin said the project team also expects private partners and possible loan instruments to cover some costs. Proponents also described outreach to groups including Volunteers of America and others they expect to support services after veterans leave inpatient care.

After testimony and questions from members about fundraising details and operating plans, the committee deferred the bill. There was no formal recorded roll‑call vote on final passage; the chair announced that action on HB 11‑63 was deferred for later consideration.

Because the committee deferred action, no appropriation or allocation was approved at this hearing. The sponsor and proponents said they will return with additional documentation about donations, deed paperwork for the land, and clearer operational plans if the bill is rescheduled.","Lawmakers heard testimony for House Bill 11‑63, a $3,218,777 general‑fund request to build a veteran skilled‑trade center near Hot Springs. Supporters described the project as workforce development and suicide‑prevention; budget office questioned use of general funds. The committee deferred action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears proposal for $825,000 transit match/grant pool; action deferred

Committee tables $1.5 million request to rebuild Custer West Dam

Appropriations committee approves due‑pass for $5 million to backfill victim‑services gap

Committee defers vote on $3.2 million ask for veteran skilled-trade center