P - Present
Roll Call
OTHERS PRESENT: See Original Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Senator Cooper Garnos, Chair.
MOTION:
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2007
Secretary Payne spoke of a looming highway funding crisis. She said that federal highway funds
could only be used on federally approved projects, and everything else must come from state funds.
She said that highway revenues and costs aren't going to change. For example, highways using
federal monies must be built to federal standards. The department is now in the planning process
for 2008 and predicts that $70,000,000 in state projects will have to be deferred in 2008. The
problem is statewide, and the study could involve education as to the current condition and status
of the state highways and what may be in store for the future. It would not focus on individual
projects, but more on the economic, environmental, and fiscal processes.
Rick Vallery representing SD Wheat Inc. said a problem he sees is the logistics of transporting
agricultural products. He said there should be private and public discussions looking into the future
of these logistics.
Myron Rau representing the SD Auto Dealer's Association and the SD Trucking Association
requested that the Senate and House Transportation committees not meet at the same time next year.
Senator Napoli thought a summer study could look at the method of awarding monies for the state
highway system.
The committee decided that they would get further information from Judy Payne and Rick Vallery
about their proposed summer studies before making any decisions about requesting a summer study.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Rena Ortbahn
E - Excused
A - Absent
P Gant, Vice-Chair
E Hanson (Gary)
P Kloucek
E McCracken
P Napoli
E Sutton
P Garnos, Chair
Moved by: Kloucek
Second by: Gant
Action: Prevailed by voice vote.
Suggested topics for Summer Studies were presented by Judy Payne, Secretary, Department of
Transportation; Rick Vallery, SD Wheat Inc.; and Senator William Napoli.
Senator Napoli felt that the Department of Transportation should hold educational meetings
throughout the state for just legislators. Senator Kloucek suggested these meetings could be held
in regional offices.
Moved by: Gant
Second by: Kloucek
Action: Prevailed by voice vote.
Committee Secretary