Feb. 23, 2026:
Dirt is moving on the Fort Pierre side of the Missouri River as the town begins more work to develop the Tatanka Trail project.
The project, primarily funded through a $1.87 million federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), ties into Fort Pierre’s development of the plaza area now that the new bridge is in place. The entire Tatanka Trail project includes construction of a recreational trail, a pedestrian bridge, an outdoor visitor plaza and outdoor exhibits.
The bridge plaza area will feature a scenic overlook and a representation of an airplane honoring Fort Pierre native Lt. Commander John C. Waldron, a World War II hero. As construction progresses, residents can expect to see additional parking, lighting, benches, public art, and sculptures incorporated into the space.
Mayor Gloria Hanson said Phase One of the project was the pedestrian bridge spanning the opening in Drifter’s Marina, which connected the recreational trail along the Missouri River. She said Phase Two includes the remaining elements of the plaza area including contouring of the landscape, enhanced terrain features, native plantings and walking paths.
The work being done is between Highway 14 and Hustan Avenue, bordered by Yellowstone Street and Island Drive. Completion of Phase Two is scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Engineer’s rendering of Fort Pierre Waldron Memorial Plaza with Tatanka Trail.
Engineer’s rendering of Fort Pierre Waldron Memorial Plaza with Tatanka Trail.
Engineer’s rendering of Fort Pierre Waldron Memorial Plaza with Tatanka Trail.
JULY 16, 2024:
There may be some adjustments made to the part of Fort Pierre’s Tatanka Trail that will run through the Lt. Cmdr. John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge plaza project.
Mayor Gloria Hanson says after recent bids for the pedestrian bridge portion of the project came in higher than anticipated, some stakeholders got together last week (???July 8-12, 2024) to talk through it.
The entire Tatanka Trail project includes construction of a recreational trail, a pedestrian bridge, an outdoor visitor plaza and outdoor exhibits.
Fort Pierre, the South Dakota Discovery Center and engineering firm ISG worked together to secure a $2-million grant from the (U.S. Commerce Department) federal Economic Development Administration to help pay for the pedestrian bridge portion of the project. The EDA grant will be matched with $513,000 in local funds, which Hanson previously said was already done by the city and state through the Waldron Memorial Bridge plaza.
JULY 8, 2024:
Two years after receiving an almost $2 million Economic Development Administration grant from the US Commerce Department, construction should begin soon on the Tatanka Trail Pedestrian Bridge in Fort Pierre.
At a recent Fort Pierre City Council meeting (July 1, 2024), AGE Corporation was awarded the bid, but Alderman Larry Cronin wanted to delay the project, prompting this exchange with Mayor Gloria Hanson.
The South Dakota Discovery Center, engineering firm ISG and Fort Pierre worked together to apply for the grant. Discovery Center Executive Director Dr. Rhea Waldman says the pedestrian bridge over the marina opening behind Drifters was included in the application, so it needs to be built or they risk losing all of the grant funds.
The Tatanka Trail project will construct a pedestrian bridge, outdoor visitor plaza, recreational trail and outdoor exhibits, boosting outdoor recreation and local tourism. This EDA grant will be matched with $513,000 in local funds which Hanson says has already been made by the city and state through the new John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge project plaza.
JULY 28, 2022:
The US Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration has awarded (July 27, 2022) a nearly $2 million ($1.9 million) grant to the South Dakota Discovery Center and the city of Fort Pierre to make improvements and establish amenities on the Tatanka Trail.
This project will construct a pedestrian bridge, outdoor visitor plaza, recreational trail, and outdoor exhibits, boosting outdoor recreation and local tourism and bringing new visitors to the community. This EDA grant will be matched with $513,000 in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $37 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
This project will create new outdoor recreational opportunities and tourist amenities on the Tatanka Trail, attracting visitors to the town, its restaurants, and local businesses. The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies. This EDA investment will provide new outdoor recreational attractions that Fort Pierre needs to support local businesses and increase tourism in the community.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Central South Dakota Enhancement District (CSDED). EDA funds CSDED to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.
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