During a legislative hearing on January 8, 2024, Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, questioned Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling about the authority for a $20 million shooting complex being built north of Rapid City. Although the project is already under construction, some lawmakers expressed concerns about whether the department had the necessary approval to move forward.
Karr, a member of the budget committee since 2017, was unaware of any specific budget approval for the project, despite seeing line items for related projects like the Black Hills Shooting Range and Rapid City Shooting Complex in past budgets.
He and other committee members, including Rep. Linda Duba, D-Sioux Falls, and Sen. Ryan Maher, R-Isabel, were surprised to learn that the department had the spending authority for the complex.
In 2021, lawmakers rejected a $2.5 million appropriation for the project, citing a lack of details and concerns over costs. However, despite the rejection, the project moved forward. Karr and Maher were particularly frustrated when they learned that Gov. Kristi Noem had awarded $13.5 million from the Future Fund to the complex without legislative input.
This fund, established in 1987, is intended for research and economic development but is not overseen by a board, unlike other state funds.
The shooting range, which is being built on 400 acres near Rapid City, was initially expected to cost $9.9 million but the price tag has since increased to $12 million. The project was paused when a bid yielded only one response, and the department withdrew a request for federal funding after concerns were raised about the site’s significance to Native American tribes.
In addition to the Future Fund allocation, the project has received $6.5 million in donations.
Lawmakers questioned the staffing plan, with Karr expressing doubts about the adequacy of the proposed staff to run the facility. Duba also voiced concerns that the project could strain the department’s resources, potentially affecting other facilities.
Robling said the shooting range is scheduled to open in fall 2025 and is expected to generate about $550,000 annually, though he admitted that it would not be profitable and would require additional funding.
No lawmakers asked for clarification on how Pittman-Robertson funds would be used for operations after the department withdrew its federal funding request for construction.