SB 117 (South Dakota) — 2026 Session
Title: Make an appropriation for the design and construction of a new soccer venue at South Dakota State University and to declare an emergency
Overview
SB 117 appropriates state funds to design and construct a new soccer venue at South Dakota State University (SDSU). The bill designates the project as an emergency measure, enabling expedited implementation. It advanced through the Legislature with unanimous or near-unanimous support in committee and chamber votes, and it was signed by the Governor on February 25, 2026.
Purpose and Intent
- Provide funding for the design and construction of a dedicated soccer facility at SDSU.
- Address the need for improved athletic facilities to support SDSU’s soccer program, potential student-athlete recruitment, and spectator experience.
- Declares the project an emergency measure to expedite funding authorization and project timelines.
Key Provisions
- Appropriation: The bill authorizes an allocation of state funds for both the design phase and the construction phase of the new soccer venue at SDSU. Specific dollar amounts are not included in the provided summary, but the bill’s primary purpose is the financial support for the project.
- Project Scope: Design and construction of a facility to house SDSU’s soccer program, including typical components such as a competition field, seating for spectators, locker rooms, training facilities, and related infrastructure. The exact specifications, capacity, and scope would be defined in accompanying project documents or the appropriation bill text.
- Emergency Declaration: The bill designates the appropriation as an emergency measure, allowing faster effectiveness of the funding and related approvals, potentially bypassing standard waiting periods or procedural steps to commence work sooner.
- Effective Date: The emergency designation suggests rapid implementation; the standard effective date would align with the bill’s signing and any stated effective dates in the statute.
Who Is Affected
- South Dakota State University and its athletic department, specifically the SDSU soccer program.
- SDSU students, staff, and prospective student-athletes, who may benefit from improved facilities.
- University community and spectators who would use or attend events at the new venue.
- State taxpayers and government agencies involved in capital project oversight and project management.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Legislative journey: The bill progressed through the Joint Committee on Appropriations (and related subcommittees), passed the Senate Floor with a favorable vote, and passed the House with a positive vote and leadership actions, leading to gubernatorial endorsement.
- Emergency status: By declaring an emergency, the bill seeks to shorten statutory delays, enabling earlier design work, procurement, and construction start dates.
- Post-enactment steps: The project would proceed under the terms of the appropriation, including any required match, grant administration, bidding, contractor selection, and construction milestones as determined by SDSU and state oversight agencies.
Notes for readers
- The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose to fund a new SDSU soccer venue and its emergency declaration to accelerate the process. For exact dollar figures, schedule milestones, and design specifications, consult the enrolled bill text and any companion capital construction documents or project appropriations associated with SB 117.
