After Governor Larry Rhoden announced Thursday that more than $7.8 million will be awarded to 10 projects aimed at strengthening opioid prevention, treatment and recovery efforts statewide, Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun is urging state leaders to take a more aggressive approach.
While welcoming the investment, Salamun said the funding is just a starting point. Rapid City and Pennington County received a planning grant, which he said is appreciated, but he believes the state needs to act faster and on a larger scale.
Salamun recently traveled to Pierre with Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller to meet with state leaders, including Attorney General Marty Jackley. During those meetings, they proposed a more ambitious strategy that would allocate $20 million each for East River and West River regions to support large‑scale treatment efforts.
State officials say the settlement funding is intended to close gaps in care. Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff said grant recipients will be required to track outcomes to ensure the investments address critical needs.
South Dakota is projected to receive about $70 million in opioid settlement funds through 2038. So far, roughly $23 million has been received, with more than $20 million already allocated statewide.
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