South Dakota House Bill HB1175

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 1/31/22
• Refer: 2/4/22

Caption

Make an appropriation for developing the Mickelson Trail and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The appropriation specified in HB 1175 will significantly affect state laws relating to funding and resource allocation for outdoor recreational developments. By securing this funding, the bill provides the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks authority to utilize these funds judiciously toward enhancing the Mickelson Trail. The connection to Mount Rushmore is expected to boost tourism, potentially leading to economic benefits for local communities through increased visitor traffic and related activities.

Summary

House Bill 1175 aims to appropriate $10,000,000 from the general fund for the development of the Mickelson Trail, specifically to connect it to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This bill is introduced by Representative Derby and it highlights the importance of enhancing the state's tourism infrastructure by improving access to significant landmarks. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that its provisions are urgent and require expedited passage to facilitate immediate funding and development plans.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward regarding funding for trail development, there may be underlying debates concerning the environmental considerations necessary for such projects, particularly the requirement to complete and accept an environmental impact statement. Discussions could also arise around the allocation of funds and priority setting for state projects, potentially leading to differing opinions among legislators about the best use of public resources and the balance between development and environmental conservation.