STURGIS, S.D. – The future of the Sturgis Trail System got a big shot in the arm at Monday night’s Council meeting, where the Greater Sturgis Foundation announced a $250,000 donation to Sturgis Trails.
The grant will serve as a catalyst to complete a project of 19 additional miles of trails in the Black Hills, near Sturgis.
Greater Sturgis Foundation President, Brett Lynass, told the Sturgis City Council Monday night the donation was a perfect fit for the criteria the Board had identified for making major commitments and was also motivated and inspired by Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester’s tireless efforts in Sturgis Trails as a private citizen, long before his role as Mayor.
“Kevin’s vision and leadership on the Sturgis Trails project have led to a permanent, positive improvement to the greater Sturgis area,” commented Lynass.
“People like Kevin and Sam Greear, and hundreds of other volunteers, have brought to life an initiative that hits on all the key elements the Greater Sturgis Foundation is looking for. Sturgis Trails has enhanced our already robust tourism industry, providing an entirely new segment of visitors who support our businesses and increase the tax base for our community. We like projects where our investment can be a catalyst to complete a major endeavor, and we believe this will lead to other fundraising and federal allocations and ultimately fund a project costing well over a million dollars. But most importantly, the Sturgis Trails improve the quality of life for everyone in the greater Sturgis area and all who visit,” Lynass concluded.
Sturgis Trails Sam Greear said it would be hard to overestimate the value of such a donation, “I really believe this will be the key financing element to complete 19 additional miles of trail and expand the system to nearly 70 miles overall. We are excited and overjoyed that the Greater Sturgis Foundation has placed this confidence in us, and we can’t wait to get to work,” Greear said.
The funding will be provided in phases, with an initial allocation released upon final project approval and construction readiness. Remaining funds will be disbursed over a multi-year period, subject to the successful completion of agreed-upon milestones, delineated in a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding.
The Greater Sturgis Foundation has invested nearly one million dollars in charitable grants to support the greater Sturgis community.
In addition to the Sturgis Trails announcement tonight, major projects have included the Downtown Sturgis Association, Sturgis Meade County Rodeo Grounds, Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry, the Sturgis Senior Center and Crisis Intervention Shelter Services in Sturgis.
