Infrastructure Investment
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR SOUTH DAKOTA
Whether it’s accessing healthcare, delivering farm products to markets, or keeping our schools connected with broadband, the infrastructure that supports these needs is fundamental to South Dakota’s future.
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Sheryl Johnson recognizes that infrastructure is not just a separate issue but the bedrock upon which every other policy goal rests. Without reliable infrastructure, progress on healthcare, education, agriculture, and business growth stalls, and South Dakotans are left behind.
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Her opponent has downplayed federal infrastructure investments and voted against key bills, citing concerns over spending. Sheryl advocates a broader and more realistic vision. She understands that investment in infrastructure is not just a zero-sum outlay. Improving infrastructure creates jobs, strengthens local economies, and opens opportunities for future generations.
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It isn’t about throwing money at problems. It’s about strategically targeting investments where they will generate the greatest benefits for South Dakota’s communities.
Why Infrastructure Matters for Every South Dakotan
At its core, infrastructure is about access. When infrastructure is neglected, access is restricted, and South Dakotans’ ability to thrive is severely impacted.
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The Broader Impacts of Infrastructure:
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Healthcare Access: Rural clinics and hospitals need better road networks and telehealth services, which depend on reliable broadband. Without these, healthcare becomes harder to access for many families.
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Education: As educational resources expand online, reliable internet access is essential for rural students to succeed. Expanding broadband helps level the playing field between urban and rural schools.
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Economic Growth: Transportation infrastructure such as roads and bridges enables businesses to operate efficiently, lowering costs and expanding market access. Every dollar invested in infrastructure pays back in the form of enhanced economic activity, job creation, and community resilience.
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Agriculture and Ranching: South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers rely on rural roads, reliable energy grids, and access to broadband to stay competitive and reach wider markets.
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Sheryl Johnson’s vision recognizes that infrastructure touches every other issue. Her commitment to modernizing and expanding South Dakota’s infrastructure is based on a comprehensive understanding of how infrastructure strengthens our economy and enhances our quality of life.
Building for the Future: Sheryl Johnson’s Infrastructure Priorities
Sheryl Johnson’s infrastructure policy centers on creating a foundation for South Dakota’s long-term growth. Her plan includes addressing the specific needs of rural communities and ensuring that federal investments are used wisely to benefit the entire state.
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Key Infrastructure Priorities:
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Improving Roads and Bridges: Many of South Dakota’s roads and bridges are outdated or in poor condition, causing delays, increasing transportation costs, and making travel unsafe. Johnson supports federal investments aimed at repairing and upgrading South Dakota’s transportation infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient travel.
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Expanding Rural Broadband: High-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Rural communities in South Dakota lag behind in broadband access, making it harder for students, businesses, and healthcare providers to function effectively. Johnson’s plan prioritizes closing the digital divide so that every South Dakotan has access to the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy.
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Upgrading Water and Energy Infrastructure: Outdated water systems and unreliable energy grids are a challenge for rural South Dakota. Sheryl supports federal programs that would modernize water infrastructure to ensure clean drinking water and reliable energy supplies. Her focus is on sustainability, aiming to invest in systems that will be resilient in the face of the unpredictability of a changing climate.
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Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Climate change presents new challenges for South Dakota, from more frequent floods to extreme weather events. Sheryl’s infrastructure plan includes incorporating sustainable infrastructure projects that protect against environmental risks while promoting renewable energy sources and conservation efforts.
The Incumbent’s Record on Infrastructure: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the undeniable importance of infrastructure to South Dakota’s economy and daily life, South Dakota's lone Congressional Representative has a history of opposing key infrastructure investments. While in office, he has voted against billions of dollars in funding for roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband expansion, arguing that it represents excessive federal spending, framing it as fiscally irresponsible.
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His opposition overlooks the fact that investing in infrastructure today will save costs down the line. By refusing to support much-needed investments, Dusty is limiting South Dakota’s potential. His stance puts short-term savings ahead of long-term growth, and South Dakota’s rural communities are paying the price.
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His flawed approach to infrastructure prioritizes scoring political points and soundbites at the expense of progress and expanded possibility for South Dakotans.
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Failure to See Long-Term Benefits: Dusty has repeatedly framed infrastructure investments as an expense rather than an investment, ignoring the long-term economic gains from improved infrastructure.
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Out of Step with South Dakota’s Needs: By voting against critical infrastructure funding, Dusty betrays a disconnect with the needs of the rural communities that depend on these investments for economic stability and growth.
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Ignoring the ROI: Federal investments in infrastructure typically result in significant returns, both in terms of job creation and economic activity. Johnson’s votes against infrastructure bills fail to take this into account.
Sheryl’s Vision: Laying the Groundwork for a Thriving South Dakota
By taking a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, Sheryl’s infrastructure plan will create lasting benefits for all South Dakotans. Her vision isn’t limited to short-term solutions. It’s about building a foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With the right investments in roads, broadband, and utilities, South Dakota can not only catch up but lead in rural innovation and development.
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What South Dakotans Can Expect from Sheryl’s Infrastructure Plan:
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Increased job creation through infrastructure projects that create immediate employment and stimulate local economies.
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​A boost in educational access for rural students, allowing them to compete on equal footing with their urban peers.
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Stronger agricultural and business opportunities by improving transportation routes and providing reliable utilities.
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Sustainable, resilient infrastructure that protects South Dakota communities from the growing risks posed by climate change.
Building South Dakota’s Future Together
Infrastructure isn’t just about concrete, steel, or fiber-optic cables; it’s about connecting people, building opportunities, and securing a future for every South Dakotan. Under Sheryl’s leadership, infrastructure will not be an afterthought or a source of partisan debate. It will be a priority. She understands that investing in infrastructure is essential for building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient South Dakota.
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Sheryl Johnson finally offers South Dakotan a real choice to elect a leader who sees federal infrastructure investments for what they truly are: smart down-payments on our future that will yield returns in the form of stronger communities, safer roads, better broadband access, and a thriving economy.
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It’s time to invest in South Dakota’s future. Sheryl Johnson is ready to lead the way.