RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The value of building permits issued in Rapid City last year was the third-highest on record, at $219 million.

The two biggest years for permit valuation in the city were 2013 with $244 million and 2011 with $259 million.

Community Planning Director Brett Limbaugh says the rise in building projects over the last several years shows the city has bounced back from the recession.

However, Mayor Steve Allender tells the Rapid City Journal that he's not sure the city is growing as officials would like, and he wants to come up with a development plan this year. Allender says he wants to expand Rapid City's high-skilled workforce and attract companies to hire them.

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