BLACK HILLS, S.D. – Tourism officials are raising concerns that federal funding cuts could impact national parks and public lands across the Black Hills and South Dakota.
According to tourism industry leaders, maintenance projects are piling up after the Trump administration froze funding for more than 130 national park projects and reduced funding for national forest and park operations.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial currently has an estimated maintenance backlog of about 57 million dollars, while Badlands National Park faces roughly 32 million dollars in deferred projects.
Hospitality and tourism leaders say continued investment is critical to maintaining roads, facilities, utilities, and visitor access at some of South Dakota’s most popular destinations.
Tourism is South Dakota’s second-largest industry, attracting more than 15 million visitors and generating more than 5 billion dollars in economic activity last year. Industry advocates say deteriorating visitor experiences could have long-term effects on tourism-dependent communities across the state.
South Dakota’s congressional delegation is now backing legislation that would restore funding for national parks and public lands.
