Progress made on 2010 goals, governor says

PIERRE — As he leaves office, Gov. Mike Rounds says his 2010 Initiative was a success.

The initiative was developed in 2003, and the final numbers show progress.

“We mapped out ambitious efforts to drive South Dakota’s economy and enhance our quality of life,” he said. “The plan was challenging, but we were committed. I’m proud to report that state agencies, community groups and businesses have made incredible progress that will benefit state residents for years to come.”

The 2010 Initiative set five primary goals for economic growth in South Dakota. Those goals, designed to be accomplished by 2010, were:

* Double visitor spending;

* Increase the state’s gross domestic product;

* Become a recognized leader in research and technology development;

* Brand and develop South Dakota’s quality of life as the best in America;

* And uphold the commitment to the 2010 Initiative.

Following are updates on each primary goal, based on information provided by the Governor’s Office. Additional information can be found at www.2010initiative.com

Double visitor spending to $ 1.2 billion

This goal was not reached, but significant progress was made.

Since the launch of the 2010 Initiative, visitor spending in South Dakota has grown an average of more than 6.5 percent a year. That was more than double the increase of the rest of the nation in the same time period.

In 2008, estimated visitor spending in South Dakota reached an all-time high of $967 million. Spending in 2009 — despite a severe national recession — was off just slightly at $962-million.

Increase gross domestic product by $10 billion

Goal 2 was reached two years ahead of schedule.

South Dakota’s gross domestic product has grown by $14 billion.

South Dakota had a net gain of 28,000 jobs from 2002 to 2010.

Become a recognized leader in research and technology development

The National Science Foundation’s selection of the Sanford Laboratory at Homestake as the site for a national Deep Underground Science and Engineering Lab could help put South Dakota at the forefront of international research.

The $400 million Sanford Initiative to cure Type I Diabetes has made South Dakota a recognized leader in biomedical research, specifically diabetes research.

South Dakota emerged as an international leader when the national biotechnology industry association held the world’s first livestock animal biotechnology conference at Sioux Falls in 2010.

Ten research centers were created at state-supported universities, and research grants and contract awards to the six universities grew from about $50 million in 2003 to $154 million in 2010. Advanced degree programs at the universities also expanded.

Brand and develop South Dakota’s quality of life as the best in America

Nearly $107 million was injected into rural communities across South Dakota to help them create jobs, expand facilities and improve infrastructure.

Many improvements were made to state parks, and record numbers of campers and other visitors have shown up for several years in a row at the parks. It’s anticipated that the state park system will host more than 262,000 camping units and see a record of nearly 8 million visitors in 2011.

Hunting opportunities in the last eight years have been exceptional, especially for pheasants, deer, geese and turkeys. The Walk-In Area program saw an increase in public hunting acres from 903,000 in 2003 to 1.26 million this year, providing not only good opportunities for sportsmen but also $12.5 million in cumulative lease payments to landowners.

Professional fisheries management and some help from Mother Nature also provided premium fishing opportunities for such species as walleye, salmon, bass and panfish.

A total of $2.3 billion was invested to stimulate affordable housing in South Dakota.

South Dakota attempted to enhance the future of young people by increasing the number of student internships and assistantships available.

Through the Arts Council’s Artists in Schools and Communities, the arts are now brought to more than 33,000 students across the state each year.

Rounds proclaimed 2010 a Year of Unity and encouraged local communities and individuals to promote, celebrate and understand the contributions of all races and cultures in South Dakota.

Uphold the commitment to the 2010 Initiative

While the goals of the 2010 Initiative remained unchanged, various strategies used to reach those goals were constantly updated as new information became available and new development opportunities presented themselves.

Although the 2010 Initiative will officially sunset, many efforts resulting from the initiative will help fuel South Dakota’s economy for years to come, according to Rounds.

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