Recent Press Releases

Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the South Dakota Department of Transportation three grants totaling $335,280 for improvements to the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.

"This funding will allow for safety, accessibility and beautification improvements to the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which includes roads that travel through some of South Dakota's most beautiful and famous landscapes," Thune said. "The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway leads thousands of tourists each year through Custer State Park, to the foot of Mount Rushmore and by many other remarkable natural sights in the Black Hills. Improvements to this Byway will strengthen South Dakota's tourism industry and economy."

The Department of Transportation grants are broken down as follows:

  • $ 22,960 National Scenic Byways Program-Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway -- Waysides within Mount Rushmore
    This project will develop and produce wayside signs along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway within Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Three wayside exhibits will be placed along highway 244 to inform visitors of things to see and do at Mount Rushmore and other areas along the Byway.

  • $ 177,920 National Scenic Byways Program-Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway -- Bismarck Lake Accessibility Improvements
    This project will remove barriers for persons with disabilities by re-constructing a lakeside picnic area, restroom, trail, and fishing areas - bringing this facility at Bismarck Lake on the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway up to current accessibility standards. In addition, areas damaged by past uncontrolled recreational use, will be restored to a natural condition.

  • $ 134,400 National Scenic Byways Program-Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway -- Horsethief Lake Accessibility Improvements
    This project will improve safety at the Horsethief Lake site on the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway by reconstructing the existing parking area to meet parking and accessibility design standards. A vehicle barrier will be installed between the parking area and an existing accessible walkway, and construction of a retaining wall will allow the parking area to be deepened so vehicles can safely maneuver through the site and turnaround.