Representatives of South Dakota agricultural and business groups testified in favor of the Governor’s Ag Development bill in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal was one of those speaking for the bill which retains local control for county governments. He says the committee’s approval is a good first step.

He says the legislation provides a sure process for those businesses whether it be livestock or others that are applying for a conditional use permit from a county to be able to move forward with their project.

VanderWal says by passing SB 157, it would allow South Dakota to have more business development projects stay in the state and boost the economy.

VanderWal is encouraging supporters of the bill to weigh in with their State Senators as SB 157 is now headed to the Senate floor.