Thune, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Authorize Permanent Land Transfer for Expansion of Black Hills National Cemetery

Thune, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Authorize Permanent Land Transfer for Expansion of Black Hills National Cemetery

Similar Land Transfers Have Occurred at the Minuteman Missile Site and Wind Cave National Park

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced the Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act, legislation to facilitate a permanent land transfer of approximately 200 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery outside of Sturgis.

“All of the agencies that are involved in this process want to see a permanent land transfer between BLM and the Black Hills National Cemetery,” said Thune. “This transfer is neither controversial nor unprecedented, so I hope our legislation moves through the Senate swiftly so the transfer process can begin as soon as possible. This expansion will help ensure that we can continue to honor our veterans with a dignified burial in the beautiful Black Hills National Cemetery for generations to come.”

“This permanent land transfer guarantees that generations of veterans will be able to rest peacefully in the Black Hills National Cemetery,” said Rounds. “I’m hopeful that this noncontroversial proposal will move quickly through Congress.”

Under current law, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act limits transfers like this one to a lifespan of 20 years. The Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act would make this particular transfer permanent.

###

15 thoughts on “Thune, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Authorize Permanent Land Transfer for Expansion of Black Hills National Cemetery”

  1. Why dont you and rounds put a ,mandatory funding bill in for health care for all veterans so there will be no more cases have to be heard for health care,That way you can honor vets , and still have time for a photo Op.

  2. Isn’t it a bit arrogant not to consult the rightful owners of the Black Hills?

  3. A press release from Thune & Rounds. Video from Thune. Press release from Rounds. Another from AFP. Followed by press releases from Thune, Rounds, Rounds again, and Marty Jackley. That is all from this one page??

    Sorry, but I have to tell you that you are driving readers away with these press releases. Its torture. Go ahead and get angry with me. But its true.

    1. So, you don’t care about commentary from our congressional delegation and others on a major announcement that affects all of South Dakota? You’re ignoring the original articles Troy or myself wrote, including the extensive coverage of the Hawks roll out, which you didn’t see anything close elsewhere, etcetera., as well as editorializing on issues of the day.

      I’m sorry the news from the delegation is not your cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean that others don’t appreciate seeing it. In fact, I’ve been directly told by readers they like to see it, so they know what’s going on in those offices.

      And, there’s that little part about this being a web site covering politics. Statements and releases from our delegation, as well as those coming out of Pierre are part of it. Most, if not all of them see print in most papers in South Dakota – Weekly papers and daily papers, as well as being covered in the broadcast media. You just see them here first, and as they come.

      I leave it to the reader to become informed on what they want to be informed on, and skip over what doesn’t interest them.

  4. Mr. Powers : Of course I read the article. Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to. The politicians are requesting a land transfer from an entity that doesn’t hold title to the property. That the BLM is being contacted doesn’t mean the BLM believes it can make such a legal action because they have no standing that would hold up before the Supreme Court. (PS… I like your “mean spirited” nature, though. In the upcoming election that arrogance will help we liberals immensely. Watch the “mean spirit” in FULL bloom Thursday night.)

  5. “Major announcements” are one thing but 50% or more of a page with press releases? You are right… that is not my cup of tea.

    And telling me that “I don’t care about commentary from our Congressional delegation” is just plain ridiculous. Laughable. I am just not that spoon-fed political talking-point kind of guy. And neither are most of your readers.

    1. Jimmy, you seem far angrier about it than I am. I’m sure I have many things that aren’t of interest to everyone.

      If you don’t want to read something that doesn’t interest you, scroll down.

  6. Angry?? Huh?

    I am trying to help but, honestly, I did not expect my advice to be well received. You have to be aware that very few readers will continue to visit a site that is full of press releases. You are familiar with political advertising and marketing. You know this.

  7. It is ok to post the nonconsequential press releases that get printed here, but what would be very nice is if there was some conservative governors or us senators’ press releases that who could also be printed. Governor Rickets of Nebraska, Senator Cruz, Lee or Paul would help balance things out a little.

  8. I enjoy the press releases, Pat, since I don’t see them anywhere else. Let JJ start his own blog.

    1. Thanks. I do as well.

      The thing is, unless you read all of the weekly papers, you’re only going to catch a snippet here and there of what’s in the release, and most of it will not be used.

      I’d rather read it all for myself when the information is current.

      1. Press releases are designed to be printed as they are written. They are not to be paraphrased or edited. They are meant to be read at one time.

  9. “I enjoy the press releases”. “I do as well”.

    OMG. Its hopeless. How can a guy as smart as you even try to defend this?

    1. Jimmy, there’s nothing to defend.

      I’m not sure why you can’t skip over the things you have no interest in reading, and instead wish to deprive others of reading what they want to to suit your preferences.

Comments are closed.