PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota is now the land of high speeds.
As part of a comprehensive transportation package, Gov. Dennis Daugaard agreed to a provision raising the speed limit on its two interstates from 75 mph to 80 mph.
It will be the highest speed limit in the region, with North Dakota’s limit at 75 mph, Minnesota at 70 mph and Montana at 75 mph.
South Dakota’s two interstates include Interstate 29 running north and south and Interstate 90 running east and west.
The bill included an emergency clause that allows the provision, and others in the bill that also includes a six-cent-per gallon gas and ethyl alcohol increase, to go into effect April 1, said a release from the governor’s office.
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South Dakotans will also face a 1 percent increase in the motor vehicle excise tax and a 20 percent increase in license plate fees.
The funding package will provide an additional $85 million a year for state and local road and bridge projects, including a $15 million per year bridge improvement grant to specifically address local bridge needs.
“Maintaining our roads and bridges is a fundamental function of government. In order for us to get to work, school, church or the grocery store, we have to have adequate roads,” said Daugaard.
