Nelson: Lab designation would be a rebirth of sorts for Lead

By Mayor Tom Nelson, City of Lead
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Being blessed with having been born and raised in Lead, South Dakota, was a great experience. Homestake Mining Company was our industry and Lead was a company town.

Homestake built the city . but also helped to build the region. If it was needed, the company started it, built it or made certain it happened. These services ranged from water distribution and sanitation to hospitalization and recreation. Through the decades, Lead enjoyed a vibrancy that similar communities could only dream about. So strong was the security in our town that it was often said, "when hell freezes over or Homestake closes" would certainly signal the end of the world.

Half of that equation came true in the late summer of the year 2000, when Homestake announced the closing plan for the great mine that had operated in my hometown for five generations. With that, the community of Lead began an extensive roller coaster ride of anticipation, uncertainty and disappointments.

Within weeks, Dr. Richard Gowen of S.D. School of Mines and Technology announced the possibility of converting the mine to an underground science facility. Over the course of the past few years, that rollercoaster has gotten a real workout. Early in the process, it was even suspected that the miners would simply turn over the keys to the scientists. This, of course, proved to be a much more complicated journey.

The initial concept of an underground lab was uncertain. The possibility of a few scientists and educators placing neutrino experiments under our city was exciting . but a bit foggy. The economic engine of Homestake was gone, and no one could tell if this new venture could replace it. We now know that this new and progressive venture for science and education has potential to be an even greater benefit for our city.

The overwhelming energy focused on this project by Governor Michael Rounds has brought it from "life-support" to something that is truly alive. The support of our state legislature, coupled with the Sanford Gift insures that a lab will be at Homestake . in fact one is being built right now.

When the National Science Foundation finally selects Homestake as the site for the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, it will become even clearer what great impact that such a facility will have.

There are many exciting components of the big DUSEL picture.

The obvious scientific benefits could be felt all over the world. The new educational experiences for our schools and universities mean that more of our youth can learn and live in South Dakota.

Dozens, if not hundreds of educators, students, engineers and scientists will come to Lead to be part of the experience. With that will come the critical mass of people that will add to and multiply the economic vitality of the area.

The city of Lead certainly cannot house or feed or clothe all those that will make the adventure to the DUSEL. That's where regional partnerships will develop to help create a bright future for all of our communities.

But Lead, along with the entire area, will more than benefit from the increased interest and the wonderful educational and scientific opportunities that will reside in our own backyard.

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