HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1011

         A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION,  Expressing the support of the Legislature for the construction and operation of a federal Western Grasslands Invasive Weed Laboratory in Rapid City, South Dakota.

     WHEREAS,  noxious weeds and invasive species have a detrimental effect on agricultural, forest, and grazing lands in South Dakota and other states in the region; and

     WHEREAS,  the total impact of costs attributable to nonindigenous weeds is as high as $5.4 billion annually; and

     WHEREAS,  effective and cost-efficient methods must be found to control invasive species and noxious weeds; and

     WHEREAS,  the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service has specialists who have the expertise needed to conduct such research; and

     WHEREAS,  the Western Grasslands Invasive Weed Laboratory would work cooperatively with state universities, other federal and state agencies, and private research groups; and

     WHEREAS,  the laboratory would focus on noxious weeds in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming; and

     WHEREAS,  Rapid City is centrally located, making access by scientists and distribution of information easier:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,  by the House of Representatives of the Seventy- seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the Senate concurring therein, that the Legislature supports the establishment of a Western Grasslands Invasive Weed Laboratory in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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Adopted by the House of Representatives,

Concurred in by the Senate,

Scott Eccarius Speaker of the House	Karen Gerdes Chief Clerk of the House
Carole Hillard President of the Senate	Patricia Adam Secretary of the Senate