PACTOLA RESERVOIR, S.D. — Angie Weaver, who co-owns the Pactola Marina in the Black Hills, remains hopeful that the full closure of U.S. 385 won’t sink her summer revenues that are critical to remaining profitable for the entire year.
The closure will disrupt any motorist driving between Hill City on the south and the Lead-Deadwood area on the north. The hour-long, more than 50-mile official detour will require people to drive through Rapid City to get around the highway closure near Pactola.Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by another South Dakota tribe
Like other business owners in the Black Hills, Weaver and marina partner Dan Fisher have tried to get ahead of the road closure to keep customers happy and coming back. The South Dakota Department of Transportation issued a press release on May 13 that spelled out the closure time frames and stated that while the road will be fully blocked, temporary access to the Pactola north boat ramp will be available on weekends and on Memorial Day.
However, Weaver and some other business owners have told News Watch that they weren’t fully satisfied with the DOT’s approach to the project and an overall unwillingness to listen to ideas or accommodate the needs of residents. The sheriff’s office has realigned its patrol “beats” and will have more deputies in the area to respond efficiently to incidents to emergencies on both sides of the road closure, Switzer said.