City's Price Tag for Planned Sioux Falls Parking Ramp Jumps

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city's share of a proposed parking ramp in downtown Sioux Falls has ballooned by roughly $6 million over previous estimates.

The Argus Leader reports that the City Council had budgeted $12 million for the project, but the city's share is now expected to cost up to $17.9 million.

The public-private parking facility would blend residential, commercial and office elements.

Officials say the higher price tag comes from unforeseen construction challenges and additional parking spaces that have been added to the plan. For example, the extra spaces amount to an additional $1.5 million in expense.

Mayor Mike Huether's plan would pay for the ramp using $3.6 million cash and $14.3 million in financing.

Councilwoman Christine Erickson says she understands the higher estimate is a worst-case scenario, but she says it's a "huge change."