The purpose of the grant award is to support transit agencies in rural areas of south dakota in maintaining or improving existing transit services

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation $14,817,418 on August 19, 2026, under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program (CFDA 20.509) to support rural transit agencies in South Dakota.

The award funds operating assistance, project administration, preventive maintenance, and capital needs for rural transit and intercity bus providers across South Dakota, as well as state administration of the 5311 program and RTAP technical assistance and training. Fourteen subrecipients were selected to receive funds in support of administrative and operating costs for rural transit and intercity bus services and training across the state.

The grant extends from the award date through March 31, 2029, with all work performed in South Dakota. The State of South Dakota Department of Transportation receives and administers the award as the designated state agency, distributing funds to subrecipients through a program of projects. The funding enables rural transit providers and their employees to maintain or improve existing transit services and achieve a state of good repair throughout rural South Dakota, benefiting transit patrons and employees of various rural transit agencies statewide.

Activities

Activities include operating assistance project administration preventive maintenance and capital needs for rural transit and intercity bus providers. Other activities include state administration of the 5311 program and rtap technical assistance and training.

Expected outcomes

This grant will assist rural transit providers in operating transit service and maintaining a state of good repair throughout the rural parts of south dakota.

Intended beneficiaries

The transit patrons and employees of various rural transit agencies throughout the state of south dakota.

Subrecipient activities

14 subrecipients were selected to receive funds in support of administrative and operating costs for rural transit and intercity bus services across south dakota as well as providing training. The attached program of projects has more details on subrecipient activities.