FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 28, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dana Munyon, dana.munyon@state.sd.us

FOR PROJECT DETAILS: Visit here

DANR Announces More Than $19 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $19,043,650 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, and storm water, projects in South Dakota.

The $19,043,650 total includes $64,362 in grants and $18,979,288 in low-interest loans including $3,683,938 in principal forgiveness to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“I am pleased to announce this financial assistance is available,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure helps protect our environment and strengthen communities for our kids and grandkids.”

Funds were awarded from DANR’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program, Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, and the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program to the following:

Bowdle received an additional $405,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to make wastewater system improvements. The project includes rehabilitating the sanitary sewer main to the wastewater ponds, installation of new PVC piping, a new lift station, manhole replacement, and upgrades to the wastewater treatment ponds. The city previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The terms of the loan are 2.125 percent for 30 years.

Brookings- Deuel Rural Water System received an additional $1,600,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to install 22 miles of 12-inch water main to meet the growing demands of rural customers including livestock and dairy operations; reduce the amount of water loss due to existing glued-joint pipe; and to interconnect the system’s two primary water sources. In addition, six miles of 6-inch watermain will be installed to the Lake Cochrane service area to improve low pressures around the lake during periods of peak water use. The system previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The terms of the loan are 2.125 percent for 30 years.

Claremont received a $505,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with $306,000 in principle forgiveness to replace a portion of their storm sewer water lines and make improvements to their lift station. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Clark Rural Water Systems received a $610,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $485,000 in principle forgiveness for water system improvements for the Town of Raymond. Upon completion, the town will turn over the water system to Clark Rural Water System to operate, maintain, and provide potable water to the town’s residents. The project will replace water mains and service lines, install water meters and pits, complete street repairs, and other necessary improvements as required. The terms of the loan are 2.75 percent for 30 years.

Garretson received a $2,593,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace sanitary and storm sewer. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Garretson also received $2,394,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $1,264,000 in principle forgiveness for to replace aging watermain that has exceeded its useful life. The loan terms are 3 percent for 30 years.

Hartford received an additional $5,750,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to construct a wastewater treatment facility to treat residential and industrial waste from Hartford and the surrounding area. The project will also upgrade Hartford’s gravity collection system and install a new lift station and force main to the new facility. The city previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch received a $73,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program loan to increase water supply to meet permitted capacity. The project will furnish and install perforated HDPE pipe to provide an infiltration gallery. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Weston Height Homeowners Association received $899,288 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $393,938 in principle forgiveness and received a $64,362 Drinking Water SRF Construction grant. The project will include construction of a new water storage tank and installation of distribution system pipe to connect the new tank to the rest of the water system The system previously received a funding package in April 2022 for this project. The loan terms are 2.125 percent for 30 years.

Whitewood received a $4,150,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with $1,235,000 in principle forgiveness to install a lift station and to construct an oxidation ditch to improve wastewater treatment capabilities and meet permitted discharge limits. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

The Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, funded in part by revenues from the Petroleum Release Compensation Tank Inspection fee and the sale of lotto tickets, provides grants and loans for water, wastewater, and watershed projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated water and waste funding for the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill.

The State of South Dakota and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs, which provide low-interest loans for wastewater, storm water, water conservation, nonpoint source projects, and public drinking water system projects. The programs are funded through a combination of federal appropriations, loan repayments, and bonds.

The board approved the funding at today’s meeting in Pierre.

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