South Dakota needs more money for transportation funding. Hence the reason for the new South Dakota gas tax hike.

The new bill will take effect on April 1, 2015 if signed by Governor Dennis Daugaard and a spokesperson for the governor said he would sign the bill if it ended up passing both chambers, which it did.

What does it mean? The state will see a six cent increase per gallon to bring the tax to 28 cents.

But wait, there's more, excise taxes on car purchases will also go up one percent. You will also notice a 20 percent increase in license plate fees.

Additional property taxes for roads and bridges will also be able to be added by counties and townships.

And you'll also be able to legally push the gas pedal to 80 miles per hour on Interstate 29 and Interstate 90, in South Dakota. Previously you could only drive 75.

There's been a maintenance problem on roads and bridges in South Dakota for some time according to South Dakota State Senator Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton.

Hunhoff says, "We've put it off for a long time. There just wasn't the political leadership or courage to address the issue."

There's sure to be a mixed bag of reactions from people throughout the area regarding the impending gas tax hike and the state's efforts to address the problem.

Regardless, get ready for the gas prices at a pump near you in South Dakota to get pumped up coming soon!

If you're wondering, the current gas prices throughout the area as of March 16, 2015 are:

  • $2.32 per gallon in South Dakota.
  • $2.46 in Iowa.
  • $2.43 in Nebraska.
  • $2.41 in North Dakota.
  • And $2.38 per gallon in Minnesota.

Source: KTIV

 

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