A longstanding program in South Dakota aimed at reducing the risk of West Nile virus through mosquito control grants is set to lose its funding. For the past decade, a portion of the state's tobacco tax revenue has been allocated annually to assist cities and counties with their mosquito management efforts. However, starting from July 1, this financial support will no longer be available due to legislative changes. Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 54 into law, which reallocates a significant portion of tobacco tax funds towards daily government expenses instead of public health initiatives. This shift raises concerns about increased mosquito populations and potential outbreaks of West Nile virus.

The initiative to use tobacco tax funds for mosquito control began in 2006 when voters approved an additional tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Initially, the revenue was designated for anti-smoking programs, but by 2014, the Department of Health requested permission to allocate half a million dollars annually from this fund toward mosquito control grants. The decision was driven by the need to address the diminishing federal support for West Nile monitoring and mosquito control. Since then, these grants have played a crucial role in helping local governments combat the spread of the virus.

Proponents of the recent legislative change argue that declining smoking rates justify reallocating the funds. Jim Terwilliger, Commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management, pointed out during discussions that linking mosquito control grants to tobacco funding never made logical sense. Despite acknowledging the effectiveness of anti-tobacco campaigns, he advocated for smarter allocation of resources. On the other hand, Jennifer Stalley from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network expressed concerns over the legality and implications of using tobacco funds for unrelated purposes. Regardless, lawmakers' approval of SB 54 effectively terminated the annual $500,000 allocation for West Nile prevention.

In response to the funding cut, the state plans to maintain certain aspects of its West Nile virus program, such as federally funded risk prediction modeling and epidemiological oversight. Nevertheless, the future sustainability of comprehensive mosquito testing remains uncertain beyond 2025. Local municipalities are now left to devise strategies to continue their mosquito control activities amidst budget constraints. Smaller towns like Viborg and Groton face particular challenges given their reliance on grant money to purchase insecticides and equipment essential for effective pest management.

While larger cities such as Sioux Falls may absorb the costs more easily due to robust budgets, smaller communities worry about sustaining their programs post-July. Joe Kippley, Public Health Director of Sioux Falls, highlights that his city has already accounted for the absence of state aid in its annual budget planning. Conversely, finance officers and program managers in smaller towns express hopes that alternative funding sources or solutions emerge soon to ensure ongoing protection against mosquito-borne diseases. As South Dakota grapples with this transition, ensuring public safety amid shifting fiscal priorities becomes paramount.