Legislature passes housing infrastructure bill

After over two hours of debate Monday afternoon, the House passes a bill that will release $200 million in state and federal money for housing infrastructure.

It makes it clear the money can be used for any housing infrastructure, not just low-income projects. It would be distributed through the South Dakota Housing Authority.

It releases $150 million in state funding from 2022 and $50 million in federal money for housing infrastructure.

Bill supporter, Rep. Drew Peterson from Salem, says not only the larger cities will benefit. He says small towns will also be able to use this funding.

Opponents were not convinced. District 8 Representative Rep. John Mills of rural Brookings…

The bill had an emergency clause so it could go into law immediately and needed a two-thirds vote of the chamber. It passed 54 to 16 after several attempts to amend the bill and several days of deferrals.

The measure now goes to Gov. Noem for her signature. She has backed the bill from the start.

 

January 24, 2023