Transportation (Airports)

SB 70 consolidates the South Dakota Railroad Board and Aeronautics Commission into the existing Transportation Commission. The bill revises state law to transfer all railroad and aviation oversight responsibilities - including rail operations, airport funding, and aviation rulemaking - to the Transportation Commission. This change affects how the state manages transportation infrastructure, as the single commission now handles both rail and aviation matters. The bill modifies multiple sections of the law (e.g., amending Sections 1-44-4, 1-44-20, and adding new provisions) to reflect this consolidation without creating new policies.

SB 76 transfers unobligated funds from South Dakota's housing infrastructure fund to the revolving economic development fund. It authorizes the Board of Economic Development to provide up to $15 million in 0% interest loans to airports with scheduled air service located in metro areas with 125,000-275,000 residents (or over 275,000) as of the 2024 Census. Loans must be repaid over 20 years with the first payment due one year after funding, and must be fully funded by June 2030. The bill directly affects airports in designated metro areas seeking infrastructure improvements.