Noem to focus federal coronavirus relief on infrastructure

August 23, 2021

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she is planning to focus on water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects as the state plans to spend nearly $1 billion in federal funds meant to help towns and cities recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The state government is readying to receive $974.5 million from the federal government over the next year and a half.

Over the course of the pandemic, South Dakota has been alloted over $4.8 billion in federal relief funds — a windfall that nearly matches the state’s annual budget.

The governor says the state has “ broad flexibility” in using the money.