KOTA Territory NewsDefense dollars spill into South Dakota

Defense dollars spill into South Dakota

Putting it in perspective, $45 million isn't much compared to the entire $625 billion Senate Defense Appropriations Bill.  But it's a good chunk of change for South Dakota.

The lion's share, $13.5 million, goes to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for military research programs.

Black Hills Nanosystems gets $3 million to reduce the risk of unintended detonation of munitions.

Another Rapid City company, Dakota Power Incorporated, has $2 million for vehicle work.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe gets $3 million for work on the Army missile defense program.

While there is only $2 million in the Senate bill for B-1 bomber radar improvements, the Armed Services Committee conference report keeps $257.6 million in play for bomber modernization.  But the full House and Senate must consider the report's recommendations.

That conference report also has $7.89 million to complete the Joint Forces Headquarters Readiness Center at Camp Rapid in Rapid City.  And there is another $1.9 million to expand the Troop Medical Clinic at Camp Rapid.