State and Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Sign Highway Agreement

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds announced today that the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and Lower Brule Sioux Tribe reached an agreement, paving the way for road construction projects on the reservation while boosting the local economy. 

"Both the tribe and SDDOT came to the table with a determination to move these construction projects forward,” said Gov. Rounds. “We've worked out an agreement that will create jobs and get critical roadwork done.” 

SDDOT Secretary Dennis Landguth says safety is a top priority as the department. “This agreement will allow SDDOT to work on projects to improve the infrastructure on the reservation making the roads safer for the people who travel them everyday,” said Landguth. “The agreement also gives SDDOT stability and predictability in its planning process. 

Tribal chairman Michael Jandreau signed the agreement earlier this week. "We spent a lot of time going over the details of the contract so we’re happy to see the agreement in place. This is an area where the tribe and the state can work together to make improvements that will be mutually beneficial.”

Under the agreement, which expires on September 30, 2010, the SDDOT is scheduled to spend an estimated $5.5 on construction and maintenance projects within the Lower Brule Reservation boundaries including the following:

·        19 miles of resurfacing on SD 4747 from I-90 east of Reliance north to the Big Bend Dam. The $4.5 million project is scheduled to be let next year.

·        Structure and approach grading on SD 1806 25 miles southeast of US 83 over LaRoche Creek. The $700,000 project is scheduled to be let in 2007.

To date, the state has signed agreements with six tribes in South Dakota.