For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 5, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION: James Feeney, (605) 773-4216

FOR PROJECT DETAILS: Visit http://denr.sd.gov/bwnrapps.aspx

Gov. Daugaard Announces Nearly $2.5 Million for Environmental Projects

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved nearly $2.5 million in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste projects.

The board met Thursday via the Digital Dakota Network.

The $2,452,774 total includes two grants and one grant amendment totaling $881,050 and four loans totaling $1.57 million, with $82,685 of the loan total in principal forgiveness.

“Making grant and loan funds available for these projects will result in better drinking water, other improved utility services for residents and enhanced protection of the environment,” the Governor said.

The grants and loans awarded by the board are administered through the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Grants were awarded to the following:

• SD Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, two grants totaling $781,050 for Sylvan Lake wastewater treatment facility
• South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), $100,000 grant amendment for a regional recycling and solid-waste revolving loan fund

Loans were awarded to the following:

• Britton, $1,042,034 for wastewater system improvements
• Spencer, $18,950 for wastewater system improvements

Loans with principal forgiveness were awarded to the following:

• Colton, $210,740 for water meter replacement, with $52,685 of that in principal forgiveness
• Dell Rapids, $300,000 for water meter replacement, with $30,000 of that in principal forgiveness

The grants, loans, and principal forgiveness were awarded from DENR’s Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs, and Solid Waste Management Program.

The Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program provides grants and loans for water, wastewater, and watershed projects statewide. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program provides low-interest loans for wastewater and storm water projects. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program provides low-interest loans for public drinking water system projects. The Solid Waste Management Program provides grants and loans for solid-waste disposal, recycling, and waste-tire projects.

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