Legislature transfers $1.5M in tourism funds to complete Cultural Heritage Center exhibits; bill passes committee

The State Historical Society asked for $1.5 million in other‑fund expenditure authority to finish exhibit design, audio‑visual systems and installation at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Director Ben Jones said construction and large interior renovations are largely complete and the archives should reopen this spring. The remaining work is exhibit fabrication, audio‑visual systems and installation. Split Rock Studios of St. Paul was selected via RFP to design and fabricate exhibits under a $2.4 million contract; the Historical Society estimates total museum‑exhibit costs (design, AV and construction) at about $4.5 million. The bill would transfer $1.5 million in tourism‑promotion funds into the Department of Education other‑activities fund to pay for the remainder of the project.

Committee action and outcome

The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying that the appropriation is for constructing the Cultural Heritage Center exhibits. After brief discussion Representative Derby moved a do‑pass recommendation. The committee then took a roll‑call vote; the amendment and the do‑pass motion were approved by recorded voice and roll call and the committee voted to forward the amended bill. (Roll‑call recorded in committee minutes; majority of present members voted aye; several members were excused.)

Why it matters

The Cultural Heritage Center houses state archives and historic exhibits; the Historical Society said reopening the archives and finishing exhibits will restore public access to collections and is timed ahead of wider bicentennial‑era tourism activity. The funds are other‑fund transfers of tourism revenue, not new general‑fund spending.

Ending: The committee approved the amended transfer and forwarded the bill for further floor consideration.