PIERRE (AP) – South Dakota lawmakers have approved a major new precision agriculture facility at South Dakota State University.
The Senate voted 30-2 Thursday to send the bill authorizing the project to Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
The roughly $55 million project includes building a precision agriculture classroom and laboratory, with renovations to an existing building expected later.
Lawmakers address about $46 million of the cost in their plan. That includes $16.6 million in private donations, $11 million from SDSU and $18.4 million from other sources including a fertilizer fee hike and a one-time $2 million state appropriation.
Senators voted earlier Thursday to send a different part of the funding plan to Daugaard.
The university says its bachelor’s degree in precision agriculture is the first in the nation. Supporters say the new project will provide modern research and education space.
