Jan. 25, 2026
Forget whether tax increment financing as proposed was an appropriate way to fund Rapid City’s proposed Libertyland USA development.
Set aside, for now, if South Dakota and by extension its municipalities ought to exempt qualifying data centers from a big chunk of the sales tax they typically would pay.
First, let’s talk about Buc-ee’s.
It’s a Texas-based mega gas station and convenience store chain with a massive following. Fans rave online about the food, themed merchandise is even sold through Walmart, and the company has become known for the exceptional cleanliness of its bathrooms.
Essentially, Buc-ee’s has plenty of options when it comes to expansion plans.
So this week, when I saw the chain had committed to a store in Gretna, Nebraska, the “why” caught my attention.
Gretna, with a population approaching 10,000 people, is home to one of…
