20 Cities, Other Entities receive over $90 Million for Environmental Projects

PIERRE, S.D. – At the end of March, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced that the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $90,633,087 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, and solid waste projects in South Dakota.

The $90,633,087 total includes $12,161,000 in grants and $78,472,087 in low-interest loans including $9,237,000 in principal forgiveness to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“Safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure help protect our environment and strengthen communities for our kids and grandkids,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts.

“I am pleased this funding is available and am proud to be part of Governor Noem’s historic effort to invest in South Dakota’s critical infrastructure.”

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

Aurora received a $240,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan, a $510,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Water Quality Grant, and a $450,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant to make wastewater treatment facility upgrades including the addition of aeration to both the primary and secondary stabilization pond. This will improve treatment and reduce odors from the pond. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Chester Sanitary District received a $2,342,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $1,462,000 in principle forgiveness to demolish its existing water tower and construct a new 75,000-gallon water tower with necessary appurtenances. The loan terms are 3.0 percent for 30 years.

Copper Oaks #1 Water Association received a $93,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program loan for recoating tank interiors, making safety improvements to the tank, replacing water meters, and rehabilitating the well house. These improvements will extend the life of the water system and reduce water loss. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Corona received a $540,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $772,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Water Quality grant to make improvements to its wastewater collection system by replacing and relining sewer lines and installing new storm sewer. These improvements will address the aging wastewater system and promote more efficient storm water management. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Corona also received a $159,800 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, a $1,278,400 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant, and a $159,800 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Construction grant to replace water mains, valves, and service lines along Main Street. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Crooks received a $1,575,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $1,625,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Construction grant to replace 4,630 feet of water line and corresponding services. The existing main system has exceeded its useful life. The new water main will increase flow capacity and reduce water loss. Additionally, the project will remove the existing water tower and replace it with a new 250,000-gallon water tower to meet the demands and storage needs of the current population. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Custer received a $5,596,000 loan with $3,075,000 principal forgiveness to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. Funding for this project was previously awarded by the board in March 2021 and May 2022. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Dell Rapids received a $845,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $455,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant to make sanitary and storm water improvements on 3rd Street. Funding for this project was previously awarded by the board in May 2022. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Dell Rapids also received a $800,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace aging and undersized water main along 3rd Street, Orleans Avenue, and Juanita Avenue. Funding for this project was previously awarded by the board in April 2022. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Emery received a $70,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program loan to replace its meters and purchase an automated reading system with compatible billing software for ease of use. This will allow the city to accurately monitor water sales and evaluate potential water losses. The terms of the loan are 2.75 percent for 10 years.

Harrisburg received a $11,709,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace over 15,000 feet of undersized piping and increase capacity of the wastewater collection system. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Huron received a $300,000 Solid Waste Management Program grant for a new baler to handle solid waste and recyclable materials. These funds and  local funds will cover project costs.

Kimball  received a $1,095,000  Clean Water State Revolving Fund  loan and a $325,000 Drinking Water  State Revolving Fund loan to replace  sanitary sewer lines, sewer services,  water mains, water services, and curb  and gutter throughout Main Street. The  terms of the loans are 3.25 percent for  30 years and 3.0 percent for 30 years  respectively.

Lake Preston received a $2,002,000  Drinking Water State Revolving Fund  loan with $1,702,000 in principle  forgiveness to replace its existing  water tower, which has reached the  end of its useful life and no longer has  the capacity to meet the town’s needs.  The terms of the loan are 3.0 percent  for 30 years.

Mitchell received a $1,000,000 Solid  Waste Management Program grant to construct a 12,500 square building for  recycling operations. The new building  will include a tipping fl oor with a lower  level to facilitate loading fl oor trailers.  This award and local funds will cover  project costs.

New Underwood received a $4,010,000  Drinking Water State Revolving Fund  loan with $2,460,000 in principal  forgiveness for improvements to its  municipal water system. Improvements  include replacing existing water main,  installing new water main, looping  projects to increase system redundancy,  constructing a new well and new storage  reservoir, demolishing an existing  storage reservoir, and other related  water system upgrades. The terms of  the loan are 3.0 percent for 30 years.

Parkston  received an additional  $1,119,700 Clean Water State Revolving  Fund loan to complete improvements  on its wastewater treatment facility  including installation of an ammonia removal and disinfection system.  Funding for this project was previously  awarded by the board in April 2022.  The loan terms are 2.125 percent for  30 years.

Rapid City received a $11,300,000  Clean Water State Revolving Fund  loan and a $600,000 Solid Waste  Management Program grant to construct  a new landfill cell, gas collection  system, and new landfi ll gas fl are. This  project is necessary to continue landfi ll  operations and comply with federal and  state regulations. These funds and local  funds will cover the project costs. The  terms of the loan are 3.0 percent for  20 years.

Salem received a $1,400,000 Clean  Water State Revolving Fund loan and  a $2,000,000 Consolidated Water  Facilities Construction Program grant  to replace clay sanitary sewer collection  mains, services, and manholes within  the western portion of the city. In