HURON, S.D. (AP) — Tucked in Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposed state budget is $12 million for a new livestock building on the South Dakota state fairgrounds in Huron.
The new livestock complex would be 200000 square feet (1.86 hectares), which is double the amount of space of the previous facility that caught fire in October.
Noem says the space could attract regional and national events to Huron.
“We’re going to use this as an opportunity to rebuild for the future,” Noem said. “It’s time to imagine the opportunities that we can have, and all the new memories that can be made in this spot”
The $19 million livestock facility would have enough space for two rodeo areas and enough space for both open class and 4-H beef cattle, the Argus Leader reported.
Besides $12 million in state funding, $3 million would come from insurance proceeds and $4 million is to be raised in corporate and individual donations.
Noem said the building could also be used for other types of events, including gun and sports shows.
Hunter Roberts, South Dakota’s agriculture secretary, said the project could be ready for the State Fair in 2022.
A fire destroyed the former State Fair Beef Complex on October 31. Built in the 1970s, the Beef Complex has hosted hundreds of livestock and equestrian events and has been a major economic engine for the fairgrounds.
