South Dakota Trail Systems Receive $350,000 for Improvements

More than $350,000 in federal funding has been awarded to four western South Dakota trail systems as part of the Federal Highway Administrations’ Recreational Trails Program.

Deadwood’s Whitewood Creek Trail, Bear Butte State Park, the George S. Mickelson Trail and the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System were among the recipients of about $1.1 million in federal funding to trails and parks across all of South Dakota.

Snowmobilers who enjoy the world-class Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System will find an even smoother ride next winter with $192,000 being awarded to purchase a new Tucker Snocat groomer. The Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System is well known and respected for consistently having some of the best maintained snowmobile trails in the world. The addition of a new groomer will only increase the ability of the grooming staff to continue to perform an excellent job and live up to their well-earned reputation.

Funding from the Federal Highway Trust Fund for the projects and purchases represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. Applications for projects searching for federal funding go before a state advisory council comprised of five governor-appointed members who review the applications and make recommendations on which projects should receive awards.