Gov. Rhoden Briefs Tech Leaders on GRIT's Example for Nation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Briefs Tech Leaders on GRIT's Example for Nation

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden briefed technology and cybersecurity leaders on the success of the Governor's Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT), which is setting an example for the nation. This briefing took place at the South Dakota Digital Government Summit, an annual gathering of leaders in technology and cybersecurity. You can find a photo of him speaking here.

"In South Dakota, we don't sit around - we take action. GRIT is doing incredible work so our state can remain strong, safe, and free, and our results are setting an example for the rest of the nation," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Other states are looking to South Dakota's example to strengthen their infrastructure and resiliency. We are protecting our communities, strengthening our economy, and building a future we can be proud of."

Governor Rhoden previously established GRIT, which is a strategic advisory body to develop policy recommendations, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and support long-term planning and investment in critical infrastructure systems across our state.

Other states are already looking to South Dakota's leadership in this space, inviting our delegates to present at several events. Just last week, Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen - GRIT's chairman - presented about GRIT at a meeting of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, our Homeland Security division spoke at the National Governor's Association conference in Tennessee, and Adjutant General Mark Morrell highlighted GRIT at the Black Hills Defense Symposium.

"South Dakota is leading in this space, and the GRIT task force continues to assess, analyze, and plan to strengthen our critical infrastructure," said Adjutant General Mark Morrell. "While we pray that threats never cross our borders, we must be clear-eyed that the services we depend on are vulnerable. South Dakotans can rest assured that we are actively preparing to mitigate risks and counter threats."

The task force is organized into specialized sub-workgroups focused on key infrastructure sectors, including electrical, water and wastewater, telecommunications, and transportation. Each workgroup is composed of subject matter experts from both the public and private sectors, ensuring South Dakota is prepared in each critical area of infrastructure.

This past legislative session, Governor Rhoden delivered results on GRIT's recommendations, including funding for the IT Modernization Fund and investment in the State Radio, which plays a crucial role in public safety for our communities, and funding a nuclear energy study. GRIT has also engaged national experts from Idaho National Labs to further develop South Dakota's critical infrastructure crisis response plan.

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