South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem included some large investments in agriculture and rural development in her budget address this week. South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hunter Roberts says the largest share, $600 million, will go towards water projects.

He says the lack of water has been a limiting factor for many larger livestock and dairy operations as well new agricultural processing facilities looking to locate in the state or expand.

Roberts says Governor Noem is also directing more dollars into broadband expansion targeting rural areas.

And the budget included funding for schools like Mitchell Tech to add programs like diesel mechanics.