Governor Rounds commits $150,000 to help Ellsworth Air Force Base

PIERRE – Gov. Mike Rounds has announced that he will commit $150,000 in Future Funds to the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Ellsworth Task Force in an effort to ensure that the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base is not in jeopardy.  

“I applaud the Ellsworth Task Force for their initiative in doing all they can to see that the base remains a viable component to our national defense,” said Gov. Rounds on the commitment.

The governor’s action is an effort to prepare for the Department of Defense (DOD) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) in 2005, when military installations will be reviewed, and recommendations will be based on the military value of the facilities and the structure of the force.  The intention of the plan is to interface with Congress, the Air Force, DOD and defense corporations to ensure the base and missions are at best military value.  

“Gov. Rounds’ support,” Rapid City Mayor Jim Shaw said, “has significantly increased the resources available to the Ellsworth Task Force and has helped launch their public-private sector fund-raising campaign to a higher level.”

In addition, Gov. Rounds’ support reaffirms the state of South Dakota’s commitment to Ellsworth as a premier national defense installation while continuing to inform the public on Ellsworth’s importance.  

The economic impact of Ellsworth is $230 million annually.  It employs 6,183 individuals as well as provides valuable services and dollars in the form of construction fees, payroll and supply costs.

“Ellsworth impacts the whole state,” Mayor Shaw said, “and that is why a unique partnership has formed with support from local communities, the private sector, the state and our congressmen.”

The goal is to raise over $1.3 million to fund this effort.