PIERRE, S.D. (KWAT) – States like South Dakota are in a bit of a race against time.

They need to spend federal CARES Act dollars by the end of the calendar year.

The money is being given to states to offset economic hardships experienced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In South Dakota’s case, portions of the $1.25 billion in CARES Act funding are being used for small business grants, the health care industry, and public schools.

Governor Kristi Noem provides the details.

South Dakota has used federal money to produce television ads to lure out-of-state visitors.

Governor Noem says tourism has taken a big hit.

This is a key time of the year for South Dakota’s tourism industry, as the pheasant hunting opener is this weekend.

The season runs thru the end of January.