(Continued from page 3)

•  Finally, I am proposing a new visitor center at Custer State Park.  The facility will include a theater where visitors can learn about all the features and opportunities for experiences that are found in Custer State Park.  Other parks using such an introductory tool have found that visitors will lengthen their stays if they are educated about all the offerings in the park.  Our Custer State Park is a true jewel, on par with many national parks, but visitors will sometimes overlook the breadth of its offerings.  A new visitor center will help avoid this, and encourage tourists to stay longer.
• Because of our state's balanced budget and strong economy, we are fortunate that South Dakota is in a position to invest in these projects.  Our Game, Fish, and Parks Department estimates that these three projects, once built, will be profitable - that is, the visitor fees they generate will cover the costs of the parks and help fund South Dakota's other state parks.
• South Dakota's love for the outdoors is something that we must pass on to our children and grandchildren.  As we are able, we should invest in projects that will be assets for generations to come.
•