South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has proposed merging the Agriculture Department and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
In a conference call with producers and ag groups, she said it is a progression from the move of ag development into the Governors Office of Economic Development two years ago….
Noem says she wants a more streamlined agency and process….
Noem says the permitting process needs to be simplified…
Her plan would also create some budget savings through the elimination of some full-time positions. The legislature will have the final say on the merger plan.
