During the annual budget address on Tuesday, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed a 2021 budget of $5.05 billion, $12 million of which would partially fund a new livestock complex at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. An additional $3 million would come from insurance proceeds, and the remaining $4 million would be provided by private businesses and individual donations.

The previous livestock building caught fire and sustained substantial damage on Oct. 31. The state fire marshal, Huron Fire Department and state Division of Criminal Investigation are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.

“We’re going to use this as an opportunity to rebuild for the future,” Noem said at a Wednesday news conference in Huron. “It’s time to imagine the opportunities that we can have and all the new memories that can be made in this spot.”

The new livestock complex will be 200,000 square feet, which is double the square footage of the previous building. Noem said the renderings include room for two rodeo areas, space to house 2,000 beef cattle and open class and 4-H beef cattle under the same roof.

She said the building could also be used for other types of events, specifically mentioning gun and sports shows.

“This will make Huron stronger,” Noem said. “It’s going to give us more opportunities to draw events that are regional and national in size.”

Hunter Roberts, South Dakota secretary of agriculture, said the project will likely be ready by the 2022 state fair.

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