South Dakota Senate Committee Passes Bill to Create County and Township Infrastructure Fund

SB236 would allocate unobligated rural access infrastructure funds to counties and townships

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Dakota Senate Local Government Committee unanimously passed SB236, a bill that would create the county and township infrastructure fund to manage and distribute unobligated rural access infrastructure fund (RAIF) monies to counties and townships for infrastructure projects.

Why it matters

This bill aims to provide a dedicated funding source for critical infrastructure needs in rural South Dakota communities, which have struggled with aging roads and bridges due to limited budgets. The bill has the support of both county and township associations, though some landowners feel the funds should go more directly to townships.

The details

SB236 was sponsored by District 1 Senator Michael Rohl. The bill would establish the county and township infrastructure fund to account for and allocate unobligated RAIF monies. Michael Lindgrum, a lobbyist for the South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships, provided details on how the RAIF funds are currently used by counties. Kim Jacobson, the Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, discussed the role of counties in infrastructure projects. The only opposition came from Lincoln County landowner Tony Ventura, who felt the funds should go more directly to townships.

  • The Senate Local Government Committee heard testimony on SB236 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The committee passed the bill on a 7-0 vote and placed it on consent to be heard later this week.

The players

Michael Rohl

District 1 Senator and prime sponsor of SB236.

Michael Lindgrum

Lobbyist for the South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships.

Kim Jacobson

Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners.

Tony Ventura

Lincoln County landowner who opposed the bill, feeling funds should go more directly to townships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.