PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden announced he has secured additional funding to ensure the Mount Rushmore National Memorial remains illuminated during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The funding, provided by a number of South Dakota officials and private citizens, continues an effort started by the governor and other state leaders to personally cover the cost of the evening lights at the monument, which is a major tourism draw for the Rapid City and Black Hills region.
“Mount Rushmore is a beacon of freedom for our state, nation, and the world,” Governor Rhoden said. “Our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to defend American freedom and independence – the least we can do is shine a light on that freedom by keeping our great Memorial lit. I am grateful for the South Dakotans who have stepped up to financially support these efforts. Now, Senate Democrats need to get their act together and reopen the federal government.”
Governor Rhoden previously covered the cost of illumination for a week. The latest pledges cover the next several weeks should the federal shutdown continue. The individuals and their pledged dates are:
- Oct. 30 and 31: Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen
- Nov. 1: First Lady Sandy Rhoden
- Nov. 2: Former Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack
- Nov. 3: Representative Terri Jorgenson
- Nov. 4: Attorney General Marty Jackley
- Nov. 5: Secretary of State Monae Johnson
- Nov. 6: State Auditor Rich Sattgast
- Nov. 7: State Treasurer Josh Haeder
- Nov. 8: School and Public Lands Commissioner Brock Greenfield
- Nov. 9: Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson
- Nov. 10: Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen
- Nov. 11: Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson
- Nov. 12: Senator Ernie Otten
- Nov. 13: Senator Amber Hulse
- Nov. 14: Representative Liz May
- Nov. 15: Representative Tina Mulally
The governor’s office noted that the funds are being routed through the Mount Rushmore Society, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at the site, which facilitates the transfer of funds to keep the lights shining. Governor Rhoden’s office reported that many other pledges have been received to continue covering the cost of illumination if the shutdown extends past mid-November.