(Box Elder, SD) — South Dakota lawmakers are divided on how to pay for projects with the expansion of the B-21 bomber program at Ellsworth Air Force Base. This year’s Legislature has considered two spending measures for construction projects aimed at preparing for an influx of military personnel and civilians arriving because of the launch. One bill proposed to help build a new elementary school to accommodate rapid student population growth in Box Elder. The other measure that would include the Rapid City Regional Airport in a funding package to aid expansion of airports across the state. Lawmakers from western South Dakota argue that state financial support is needed for the school and airport projects to accommodate the B-21 program. But others rejected the amount of funds and added concerns over the fairness of providing extra state money to Douglas schools.
