South Dakota Lawmakers Discusses Road Conditions, Funding

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — State officials are meeting with a South Dakota legislative panel to discuss the condition of the state's highway system and the funding used to maintain and build the roads.

State Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist and Deb Hillmer of the Division of Motor Vehicles are scheduled to give presentations Wednesday to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Sen. Mike Vehle, R-Mitchell, has said he wants to hold a series of hearings early in this year's legislative session to gather information about the need for highway funding and how that money might be raised. He says any bill to raise highway taxes would not be introduced until at least a year from now.

The state's motor fuel tax was last raised in 1999 to fund highways.

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