The House State Affairs Committee passed bills transferring the state’s interests in two National Guard armories in northeast South Dakota. Adjutant General Tim Reisch says in recent years budget cuts have led to closures of several armories in the state. He says some, like the one in Webster, were built as joint-use facilities. The National Guard no longer occupies the buildings, but they are still in use.
“The city of Webster has been a strong supporter of the South Dakota National Guard for many, many years,” Reisch says. “They provided the largest share of the funds needed to construct the facility back in 1956, and it’s only right that we convey the state’s interest in the real estate improvements back to them. Passage of this bill will direct the Governor to execute a quick, clean deed, transfer all of the state’s right title and interest in the real estate and improvements to the city of Webster.”
The committee also passed a bill transferring the state’s interest in the Watertown National Guard armory to the city of Watertown. Both Bills now head to the House floor.