Gov. Rhoden Advances National Security Through GRIT Task Force

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Advances National Security Through GRIT Task Force

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden advanced national security as South Dakota's next big industry by granting a $500,000 Future Fund award to the South Dakota Department of the Military (DOM) to support the work of the Governor's Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT).

"Earlier this year, I declared national security as South Dakota's next big industry. The GRIT Task Force is helping turn that vision into a reality by strengthening our critical infrastructure, improving resilience, and ensuring South Dakota is prepared to deal with risks from cyber or physical attacks," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "This investment will support that mission, deliver national security results, and help keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free."

Governor Rhoden established the GRIT Task Force to strengthen South Dakota's resilience by identifying infrastructure vulnerabilities, recommending strategies to improve preparedness, and fostering collaboration among public and private partners. Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen chairs the task force.

"The GRIT Task Force is bringing together government, industry, and critical infrastructure partners to better understand the risks we face and how we prepare for them," said Major General Mark Morrell, Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard and Vice-Chair of the GRIT Task Force. "This investment provides the tools and data needed to make informed decisions that strengthens South Dakota's security, communicates clearly with our citizens, and improves our ability to respond to future challenges."

DOM shares a leadership role in and a passion for GRIT. This award will equip the task force to build effective communication tools for citizens, gather resources to collect and integrate geographic information system (GIS) data that will enhance statewide infrastructure planning, and work with industry and academic partners to strengthen South Dakota's resilience efforts.

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