The inside of the Homestake Mining Co. Hydro Electric Plant No.2, built in 1917, in Spearfish Canyon. (Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office)

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signed bills Wednesday transferring an old hydroelectric plant in Spearfish Canyon to a nonprofit for potential conversion to an interpretive center, and appropriating millions for work at a fish hatchery in Waubay. 

“South Dakota’s outdoor beauty is part of what makes our state so great,” Rhoden said in a statement. “I am committed to making sure our kids and grandkids can enjoy our great outdoors to the fullest for generations to come.”

The Legislature approved both bills earlier this month.

One would transfer ownership of the 1917 Homestake Mine Hydro Electric Plant No. 2 building from the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation at no cost. The building is near the entrance to the popular Devil’s Bathtub hiking trail. Supporters in the Legislature said the site could help visitors learn about the area’s mining and hydropower history. The legislation will become law on July 1.

One would transfer ownership of the 1917 Homestake Mine Hydro Electric Plant No. 2 building from the state Department of Game, Fish, and Parks to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation at no cost. The building is near the entrance to the popular Devil’s Bathtub hiking trail. 

Supporters in the Legislature said the site will help visitors learn about the area’s mining and hydropower history. The legislation will become law on July 1.

The other bill authorizes the department to spend $8 million on construction and renovation work at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. Federal funds from a tax on fishing gear and boat fuel will provide $3.5 million, and $4.5 million will come from a combination of state fishing license revenue and private donations. 

The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately. 

The hatchery project is the first affected by a law adopted last year requiring legislative approval for any Game, Fish and Parks projects exceeding $2.5 million. The law came in response to former Gov. Kristi Noem’s approval of a mix of state and donor funding to build a state-owned shooting range near Rapid City, after lawmakers rejected funding requests for the project.

The Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery is the state’s top walleye producer, according to department spokesperson Nick Harrington. About 60 million fish raised at the hatchery are stocked in South Dakota lakes and other waterways each year.