On July 16, 2024 The Yankton Sioux Tribe Business and Claims Committee passed a resolution concerning highway passing through Wagner, South Dakota. The resolution states their support for a four lane highway through Wagner rather than the three lane highway as proposed by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. Resistance to this idea has been obvious from the beginning. Thousands of people travel this road daily and it is expected to increase substantially over the next few years. A petition against the change, as well as a community vote and a trip by concerned citizens to Pierre to testify against the changes were not enough to change what the DOT has planned.

Those who made the trip felt very discouraged by the process as it appeared that no one was listening to the community and the process left them with the feelings that was all a waste of time in the end.

In the beginning, the Yankton Sioux Tribe Business and Claims Committee chose to stay quiet concerning the changes. However, after much discussion they chose to pass resolution no. 2024-079. They would like the City of Wagner and the SD DOT to understand they want their voice to be heard. The resolution basically focuses upon these following statements: The need to keep the four lane road is of vital importance to the future of Wagner. The proposed Highway 46 lane from Washington Street N.W. to the west edge of Wagner is an acceptable addition to the plan to handle additional projected traffic growth through Wagner. The four lane plays a vital role in tourism, economic development, access to Health care including Indian Health Service, emergency services, public education, elderly living and much more. The four lane has played a pivotal role in the expansion of commerce in and around Wagner. The four lane has provided a safe, reliable efficient, effective means of travel to and through Wagner for almost 40 years. The Yankton Sioux Tribe recognizes the public support for the Wagner 4 lanes as witnessed by over 1500 petition signers and the overwhelming public support for rebuilding the four lane highway through Wagner. On Dec. 6, 2022 the citizens verified their rejection of the Wagner City Council vote to support the State DOT three lane proposal by over a 2 to 1 margin. The South Dakota DOT accident rate chart shows this stretch of road significantly is lower compared to similar roads in the state. It does not appear that this proposed road change will be done to improve safety.

The Yankton Sioux Tribe’s Business and Claims Committee is the elected body constituted for the purpose of conducting the business of and serving the best interest of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. The Yankton Sioux Tribe’s Business and Claims Committee has contributed throughout the years to improving the standards and quality of life on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. “My name is Dana Sanderson and I am a retired Wagner School Counselor: “The Business and Claims Committee is interested in having their voice heard. The B & C members believe their opinions on this matter have not been of great concern by anyone. The DOT and the news media are encouraged to be aware of this resolution and to take a very serious look at what the resolution means to the YST. The Yankton Sioux people are a major part of the Wagner community and it is important to understand and accept their feelings, needs and interests when thinking about what is best for the Wagner community”.