South Dakota Rep. Jeff Haverly, R-Rapid City, announced he is seeking election to the state Senate in District 35, the seat that will be vacated when Sen. Bill Napoli retires.

The district includes Rapid Valley, most of North Rapid, Rapid City's business district, a portion of Box Elder, and Rapid City south to Spring Creek Road, east of S.D. Highway 79.

Haverly said with Napoli retiring, he "will continue to provide the strong voice and experience for western South Dakota."

Haverly has served six years in the state House, including time on the appropriations committee. He said as the lone West River member of the committee, his work there has been vital to the interests and needs of people here.

This past session, Haverly sponsored and co-sponsored bills to secure "adequate and stable" funding for the state's technical institutes, some of which became law. He said the funding is needed to improve and expand the state's work force.

He has also worked to represent adjustment training centers, which assist adults with developmental disabilities.

Haverly has served on the Rapid City school board and has been a member of several local organizations including Black Hills Special Services and the North Rapid Civic Association.

Haverly has lived in Rapid Valley for 25 years. He is retired from Ellsworth Air Force Base and owns two child care centers. He and his wife, Terri, have three daughters and five grandsons, all in Rapid City.