U.S. defense sends hundreds of millions to South Dakota

National Defense Authorization Act embraces B-21 bombers arrival to Ellsworth Air Force Base

South Dakota’s Congressional delegation is bringing home the bacon in the form of national defense.

Last week’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act on Capitol Hill sent $335 million here as part of the B-21 bomber’s highly anticipated arrival at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The dollars will help the military ready its facility located a mile north of Box Elder for the latest assault aircraft and its nuclear capabilities as well as expanded cyber-security operations.

And with those additions to Ellsworth’s mission will come more airman, private contractors and families. That’s why a portion of the NDAA dollars marked for South Dakota assist cities, counties and school boards prepare for the growth.

“There is an adequate responsibility of the federal government,” Rounds told The Dakota Scout Friday. “They recognize that they have to pick up part of the burden and that the local school districts don’t have the resources” to accommodate the growth alone.