Make an appropriation for the construction costs at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, and to declare an emergency.
Summary
HB 1047 makes a one-time appropriation for construction-related work at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks is authorized to contract for construction, reconstruction, renovation, and modernization of hatchery infrastructure, including utilities, laboratories, sidewalks, parking, landscaping, furnishings, equipment, and related architectural and engineering services. The bill estimates the total project cost at $8 million and provides spending authority from two sources: $3.5 million in federal funds and $4.5 million in other funds.
The measure also assigns project oversight and payment procedures. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks secretary must approve vouchers, the state auditor must issue warrants, and the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration will supervise design and construction under existing state law. Any unspent or unobligated money must revert under standard state procedures. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage and approval rather than waiting for the normal effective date.
Impact
HB 1047 does not create a new regulatory program; it amends state spending authority by appropriating funds for a specific capital project at a state fish hatchery. It affects the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration, and state fiscal administration by authorizing expenditures, voucher approval, warrant issuance, and reversion of unused funds under existing budget and construction statutes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support. It advanced through the legislative process with strong do-pass votes in committee and on the floor, with only limited opposition in one chamber. The lack of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was relatively straightforward and noncontroversial, likely viewed as a necessary infrastructure investment for a state facility.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only notable point of potential debate is the use of state and federal funds for a specific facility project, including the size of the appropriation and the emergency clause that makes the act effective immediately. However, the recorded votes indicate that any concerns were limited, and no specific objections or competing viewpoints are documented in the provided materials.
Authorize the payment of lease rental obligations to the South Dakota Building Authority by the Bureau of Finance and Management, to make an appropriation therefore, and to declare an emergency.
Authorize the Department of Corrections to construct a prison facility for offenders committed to the Department of Corrections in Lincoln County, to make an appropriation therefor, to transfer moneys to the incarceration construction fund, and to declare an emergency.
Make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway, for the general maintenance and repair of other state-owned dams, and to declare an emergency.