I'm a bit hooked on the state government budgeting process, so get my kicks from listening to Appropriations Committee hearings. What a strange year, with (federal COVID) money running out our ears. It's brought out a great candy store list of projects that we never would have been able to dream of doing without this money. I'm listening to a hearing on HB 1253 which would appropriate as much as $15 million to complete the Mickelson trail to Mt. Rushmore. They got Doug Hofer, retired state parks director, to testify in favor of it. They're making a good case. Rep. Gross from Elkton noted and asked why he was getting emails from Audubon Society opposed to the project. Is it a "leave nature to nature" stance? Would anyone care to comment, here or to me privately at <swismer...>?
