Meade County Commissioners Award Contract for Sturgis Bypass

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — Meade County commissioners have awarded a $1.3 million contract to a Rapid City company to build a highway bypass at Sturgis.

Tuesday's vote came a day after a judge declined a plea by opponents to mandate a public vote on the project.

The gravel bypass is scheduled to be ready next July. Officials say the goal is to spur growth east of Sturgis and ease traffic congestion during the annual motorcycle rally that draws hundreds of thousands of people to the area.

Opponents worry about its effect on Sturgis businesses, and about possible encroachment on homes and ranches along the route. But a judge on Monday rejected their lawsuit, and opposition group spokesman Rod Baumberger said continuing to fight likely would be costly and fruitless.

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