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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH ANNOUNCES KEY FUNDING FOR SOUTH DAKOTA TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, INDIAN COUNTRY

June 15, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today announced that several South Dakota projects that she requested were included in the 2007 Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) bill that passed the House last night.

Rep. Herseth said, "I'm pleased to announce that a number of important South Dakota projects are in line to receive necessary resources as part of this funding bill. In a rural state like South Dakota, we must invest in our transportation infrastructure."

Herseth highlighted in particular the resources dedicated to Indian Country. She said, "The funding for Wakpa Sica and St. Joseph's Indian School, as well as the paving of an important highway through the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, are key investments in Indian Country."

Below are details on funding included in the bill:

$1 million for the S-curve railroad crossing in Pierre. This project will help mitigate increased rail along Highway 34, which currently accommodates 19,000 vehicles per day, making it the single busiest grade crossing in the state.

$500,000 for Rail Traffic Mitigation Planning for Brookings. This funding would enable the city of Brookings to begin planning rail traffic mitigation activities to ensure adequate traffic flow and greatly improve safety, by improving emergency vehicle access to all parts of the community.

$500,000 for the paving of US 212, East of Eagle Butte to Ridgeview. This stretch of road is on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, and improved road infrastructure is needed to enable the tribe to attract and develop economic opportunities.

$250,000 for paving of SD Highway 34, East from Madison. This highway connects Madison with I-29, and as such, it is heavily traveled and repairing it is among our state's top transportation priorities.

$400,000 for the Wapka Sica Reconciliation Place in Fort Pierre. These funds will be used to ready the cultural center for occupancy, helping to advance this comprehensive effort designed to improve economic conditions facing the tribes of the Great Sioux Nation and to promote reconciliation between Indians and non-Indians

$100,000 for St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain to meet the steadily growing needs of its high school student population, including two new residences on the campus.

The appropriations process now moves over to the Senate. Rep. Herseth looks forward to working with our Senators to maintain and improve upon these funding levels.

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