RAPID CITY, SD — In a ceremony held in Rapid City Regional airport, Governor Larry Rhoden was joined by Mayor Jason Salamun, as well as State Representative Mike Derby and State Senator Helene Duhamel as he signed into law SB 76.

SB 76 authorizes low-interest loans to be given from the states’ Housing Infrastructure fund to South Dakota airports, enabling expansion projects planned at both Rapid City and Sioux Falls. “The Bills’ $15 million loan for Rapid City and Sioux Falls represents an opportunity for South Dakota, and for our citizens and for the future of our state, bring more businesses here, more opportunities more destinations all the way around, just the helps our state advance,” said Rhoden, who was a vocal supporter of the bill prior to its passage and stated after the signing that he was happy to put “another tool in [the airports’] toolbox”.

Mayor Salamun was a major proponent of the bill as it traveled through the state legislature, voicing his support in Pierre several weeks prior to the signing. “Obviously airports not only benefit the city of Rapid City and the city of Sioux Falls, they benefit the entire state – the entire state benefits from flying in and out of the airports, and so this is a big win for South Dakota.” said Salamun at the signing “We appreciate the support, it’s a great investment – you’re going to get a return on that investment”.

As we enter the end of South Dakota’s legislative season, Governor Rhoden declined to share his feelings for any of the other pieces of legislation currently under consideration during his visit.