Noem Administration Fast-Tracked Flood Relief for Black Hills Attraction Following Donor Request
SIOUX FALLS, SD – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s office expedited state disaster aid to a privately-owned tourist attraction in the Black Hills after a wealthy donor directly contacted her about the damage, according to documents obtained through a public records request. The intervention raises questions about potential preferential treatment in the allocation of emergency resources.
The documents reveal that shortly after severe flooding impacted the Black Hills in late May 2024, a representative for Rushmore Cave & Cabins, owned by philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford, contacted Governor Noem’s office seeking assistance with repairs. Sanford has donated significantly to Noem’s campaigns and various state initiatives. Within days of the contact, the state Department of Transportation began work on a temporary road repair providing access to the attraction, despite numerous other roads across the region remaining impassable and impacting local residents. This prioritization occurred while other communities were awaiting assessment and aid for similar flood damage.
The flooding, triggered by unusually heavy rainfall, caused widespread damage across western South Dakota, impacting roads, homes, and businesses. While the state declared a disaster emergency, the pace of recovery efforts varied significantly.Records show that the Department of Transportation received requests for assistance from multiple counties and municipalities, but the Rushmore Cave & Cabins project was singled out for immediate action.
According to emails released through the records request,a Noem aide instructed DOT officials to “make this a priority” and to coordinate directly with Sanford’s representatives.The temporary road repair cost the state an estimated $50,000.
“We were told to focus on getting access restored to Rushmore Cave,” one DOT engineer stated in an internal email. “Other projects were put on hold.”
Governor Noem’s office defended the decision, stating that the attraction is a important economic driver for the region and its swift reopening was crucial for tourism.”Rushmore Cave & Cabins supports numerous jobs and brings vital revenue to the Black Hills,” said Noem spokesperson, Lindsay Vrooman. “The Governor is committed to ensuring the economic vitality of our state.”
However, critics argue that the intervention demonstrates a clear bias towards political donors. “This appears to be a case of access and influence trumping the needs of everyday South Dakotans,” said Zach Poelma, Executive Director of Common Cause South dakota. “The governor’s office should be focused on equitable disaster relief, not catering to wealthy contributors.”
The incident is highly likely to fuel ongoing scrutiny of Noem’s ethics and clarity, notably as she considers a potential national profile. The state Legislative audit Committee is now reviewing the matter to determine if any laws or regulations were violated. The committee is expected to release its findings in the coming weeks.
