CUSTER - Custer State Park will soon be getting a new visitor center.

The Daily Republic reports that interviews will be conducted soon with officials from the top four of eight engineering firms that showed interest in the project.

Doug Hofer, director for the state Division of Parks and Recreation, says the timetable for the construction depends on how fast the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation can raise its pledged $1 million for the $3 million project.

The Legislature appropriated $1.5 million for the project. That money becomes available July 1. It has a two-year window in which it must be used. Hofer said his division will provide $500,000 from its next budget.

The new visitor center will feature a movie theater to showcase the park's story.

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