Stu Whitney reports that the DEX, Governor Kristi Noem’s fancy horse barn at the state fairgrounds in Huron, is taking two years longer to build than expected:
“Our goal is to become the No. 1 choice for equestrian and livestock events in the country and for attracting new opportunities to South Dakota,” Noem told legislators during her 2020 address. “I look forward to seeing you all in the new livestock complex at the 2022 State Fair.”
More than 2-½ years later, with the 2023 State Fair beginning Aug. 31, pandemic-related construction delays and cost overrides have hampered the governor’s vision. The Dakota Events Complex, known as the DEX, was not ready to open in 2022, and its bleachers won’t be available for this year’s fair, dampening some of the enthusiasm for its unveiling.
The grand opening slated for opening day is now described as a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with beef exhibits and shows still scheduled at the facility during the fair. The official grand opening celebration is planned for 2024 as part of the Governor’s Agricultural Summit [Stu Whitney, “South Dakota State Fair’s Events Complex Shadowed by Cost Overruns, Management Concerns,” South Dakota News Watch, 2023.08.17].
…and we’re spending more than expected for less building than planned:
Legislators have so far appropriated $29 million for the Dakota Events Complex, which can hold two full-size equestrian arenas or 1,700-plus cattle stalls. Those appropriations include $18 million in general funds, $6 million in private fundraising and much of the rest from insurance payments from the loss of the old facility.
The first round of funding, $20 million, was approved in 2021, and a second round of $9 million was rubber-stamped in 2023 after costs started to escalate. The facility has been scaled back from 200,000 square feet to 150,000 and from a seating capacity of 7,000 to 5,000 due to concerns about the overall price tag [Whitney, 2023.08.17].
This mostly socialist rodeo hall is supposed to boost revenues for the fairgrounds and for the greater Huron micropolitan area by drawing national events. But if the fairgrounds hopes to max out its seating when it gets built, especially during the colder half of the year, it might need Huron to build more lodging:
The most recent count from the South Dakota High School Activities Association had Huron with 425 hotel rooms, compared with 5,100 for Rapid City, 4,300 for Sioux Falls, 1,095 for Mitchell and 890 for Aberdeen. There are also more than 1,200 camping sites at the Huron fairgrounds [Whitney, 2023.08.17].
The State Fair hasn’t paid for itself for decades. A new horse barn two hours from Sioux Falls probably won’t get the State Fair off its socialist subsidy, either.
Your negativity aside, Cory it’s great to see something new coming to Huron. How about a new attitude towards new things and new ideas? Hmmm…
Remember Red Skeleton? He’d say …
“Well, let me tell ya, folks, when it comes to positivity, it’s like a secret weapon that can work wonders, even in politics! You see, a positive attitude not only brightens our day, it can also bring people together, bridge divides, and promote harmony. In the political realm, embracing positivity can lead to constructive conversations, compromise, and progress. It allows for a focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. When politicians approach their work with a positive mindset, they inspire trust, uplift their constituents, and cultivate a sense of hope. Positivity breeds optimism, after all, and that’s a mighty powerful force for change. So remember, folks, in the world of politics or anywhere else, a little bit of positivity can go a long, long way! Thank you and may God bless.”
AI generated ~ fully curated & edited by P. Aitch
Huron.
BAH.
Grudz appears to be predicting what organizers of most national events will say about bringing their shows to a town with 425 motel rooms.
Favored contractors always come in late, over budget and always willing to give a donation to the gov and her party. Nothing to see here, literally. Getting to Huron is kind of why this boondoggle will never amount to much. It will cost a small fortune for the upkeep, but it will hold a lot of hay.
P. I think Cory is illustrating the hypocrisy of shouting anti socialism from the left side of the mouth and then funding govt driven projects from the right side.
I think this was a project to ultimately get Noem’s name on a building. With Noem’s ego, she will probably rename it before she leaves office.
Ruh roh. Will Noem libel Stu Whitney as she did Kevin Woster?
P. Aitch: Skelton. Red Skelton.
And I agree with Cory, I live in Sioux Falls and I wouldn’t drive two hours to … Huron, or even Watertown, Yankton or Aberdeen for a horse show or fair.
Gonna have to call Rounds to get the number for the Korean contractors who had to finish his EB5 boondoggle in Aberdeen. These guys work without workers comp or contractors excise taxes, or so the story goes, but they get it done. Also, how big of a horse’s arse plaque are they gonna make for NOem?
@SX123 – Yes, partially.
@Rick Weiland – Thanks. I can’t believe I made that error. My proof reading needs a tune-up. Thanks twice for the 411, Rick.
PS – Negativity is very inbred in your SD culture. There’s still some in me. A person can be gone for fifty years and the “black heart” of negativity still holds a piece of the brain like nicotine addiction for someone who’s quit. It can be overcome, though. Like alcoholism.
Your blog is great, Cory. But …..
Cory does make a good point about the hotel room deficit in Huron, maybe the expected horse crowd from around the nation will sleep in their horse trailers. I predict this will become the Greater Beadle County Event Center.
I have a silly question. Can the Huron sewer system even handle the numbers of people who would decend on Huron for a nation event using both arenas? Assuming they stayed in Sioux Falls and drove over to watch the event. Do they have enough facilities to handle the crowds during intermission? I know one of the reasons I stopped going to the state fair was having to wade through sewage in hopes of finding a public facility that wasn’t over flowing. Huron just does not have the infrastructure to handle events of the size the governor invisions. Not enough places to stay. Not enough places to eat. Too far to a trauma center. Are insurance underwriters going to be happy with the nearest trauma center being two hours away by car?
If the goal is being “the No. 1 choice for equestrian and livestock events in the country” there needs to be a few more hotels built in Huron. In this regard, grudz finally makes a righteous remark with his “Bah, Huron.”
It would also be good for there to be a restaurant open after 9:00 PM.
P. Aitch
2023-08-19 12:42
@Rick Weiland – Thanks. ….
I am not Rick Weiland. Making assumptions is bad.