South Dakota’s identity is inseparable from its public lands. From the granite faces of Mount Rushmore to the rugged beauty of the Black Hills and the wide-open grasslands, these places define who we are. They power a tourism economy that supports communities across our state.
But the experience visitors expect, and our communities depend on, doesn’t happen by accident. It depends on well-maintained trails, safe roads, reliable water systems and preserved historic structures. And for too long, those essentials have been strained by a growing backlog of deferred maintenance.
That’s why the Great American Outdoors Act, passed in 2020, was such a breakthrough. It created the Legacy Restoration Fund, a dedicated investment to repair and restore critical infrastructure across our national parks and public lands. Here in South Dakota, that investment is already making a difference.
Nineteen projects across our national forests and grasslands have been funded, with millions of dollars flowing into improvements that directly impact visitors and residents alike. Roads have been reopened, historic structures restored and access to remote areas reestablished. These aren’t just upgrades, they are investments in safety, access and economic vitality.
At the same time, the work here is far from finished. Mount Rushmore National Memorial alone faces an estimated $13 million in deferred maintenance. Aging wastewater systems, deteriorating roads and facility repairs all require attention. Without continued investment, these issues will only worsen, putting strain on one of America’s most iconic destinations.
This is why Congress must act now to pass the “America the Beautiful Act,” a bipartisan effort to extend and strengthen the Legacy Restoration Fund. The bill would continue funding through 2033, ensuring that the progress we’ve made doesn’t stall and that we don’t fall back into the cycle of neglect that created this backlog in the first place.
For South Dakota, the stakes are clear. Tourism is a major economic driver, supporting small businesses, creating jobs and sustaining rural communities. Visitors come here for our landscapes and our heritage, but their experience depends on infrastructure that works.
Investing in public lands is not just about preservation; it’s about prosperity. It means safer trails, better access, healthier forests and stronger local economies. It means ensuring that future generations can experience the same natural beauty that defines our state today.
The Legacy Restoration Fund has proven its value. Now it’s time to build on that success. Congress and our Senate leadership should move swiftly to pass the America the Beautiful Act. South Dakota’s public lands, communities and economy depend on it.
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