Sturgis, SD—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today got a firsthand look at economic development projects in Sturgis as he toured the city with local officials.

“There are a lot of important projects going on in Sturgis and I was pleased to visit the area to ensure federal funding is being put to good use,” said Johnson. “This tour was an opportunity to not only see the progress Sturgis has made, but also to see what else I can do to ensure that Sturgis continues to grow.”

On the tour, Johnson saw the growth at the Sturgis Industrial Park, which he secured $500,000 for in the 2005 Veterans Affairs-Housing and Urban Development spending bill. The funding aimed to put the park on a path for expansion by enhancing infrastructure. Johnson also visited Fort Meade and assessed proposed development plans for Interstate-90, Exit 32.

The stimulus funding provided $113,277 for the Meade County Housing and Redevelopment Commission to improve buildings in the community and $99,999 for Black Hills Community and Economic Development in Meade County to continue rural development in the area.

Johnson was joined on the tour by Sturgis Mayor Maury LaRue and Sturgis City Administrator David Boone.

Today’s tour of Sturgis is one in a series of events Johnson is holding across South Dakota during the Congressional District Work Period. Johnson held events earlier today in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Johnson will hold additional events later this week at Rosebud Indian Reservation, Yankton and Sioux Falls.