DANR Approves Nearly $38.9 Million for Water Projects

By Scout Nelson

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced nearly $38.934,341 million in loans and grants for drinking water and solid waste projects across the state.

The Board of Water and Natural Resources approved a total of $38,934,341 in funding. The money supports projects that improve water systems, treatment facilities, pipelines, storage, water meters, and solid waste equipment.

The funding includes $19.64 million in low-interest loans, including $726,000 in principal forgiveness, and about $19.29 million in grants. DANR awarded the funds through several programs, including the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program, Drinking Water Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities program, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and Solid Waste Management Program. These programs support communities as they improve important public services.

Aberdeen received a $2.5 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan. The funding supports the construction of a 1.5-million-gallon elevated water tower and a 16-inch transmission line. The project connects existing residents in the northeast part of the city. Aberdeen previously received $10 million for the project, and the new loan completes its funding. The loan has a 3.75% interest rate for 20 years.

Clay Rural Water System received a $16.505 million grant through the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities program. The project connects the rural water system to Elk Point. Work includes about 23 miles of pipe, a 500,000-gallon storage tank, a booster station, and a master water meter.

Elk Point also received a $730,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan. The money supports a new 1,400-foot water main that connects the city's existing system with Clay Rural Water System. The loan has a 3.75% interest rate for 30 years.

Kingbrook Rural Water System received an additional $250,000 in ARPA grant funding. The project includes upgrades at two water treatment facilities, improvements to four pump stations, an elevated tank near Arlington, and pipeline replacement along Highway 25 north of DeSmet. With the new funding, the project's total ARPA grant reaches $15.12 million.

Mid-Dakota Rural Water System received an additional $600,000 in ARPA funds. The money supports an advanced metering system, pipe improvements, a backwash recovery system, and additional membrane capacity. The additional grant brings the project's total ARPA funding to about $22.22 million.

Milbank received a $10 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to install package filters and an aeration unit in its water treatment system. The loan has a 3.75% interest rate for 20 years.

The Northwest South Dakota Regional Landfill received a $129,000 Solid Waste Management Program grant and a $502,000 loan. The funding helps replace aging equipment and purchase a new bulldozer, roll-off trailer, and 10 garbage dumpsters. The loan has a 3.50% interest rate for 10 years.

Randall Community Water District received a $5 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to expand system capacity and provide more water to the City of Mitchell. The project includes a new 30-inch HDPE transmission line, booster stations, storage facilities, and treatment improvements. The district also received an additional $905,000 in ARPA grant funding. This brings the project's total ARPA grant funding to nearly $23.97 million, while total funding from previous grants and loans exceeds $118 million.

Shared Resources Inc. received an additional $905,341 in ARPA grant funding. The project includes a new water treatment plant, well field, distribution pipeline, and two storage tanks. Shared Resources is a joint effort between Minnehaha Community Water Corporation and the Big Sioux Community Water System. With the latest award, the project's total ARPA grant funding reaches about $52.05 million.

Webster received a $908,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, including $726,000 in principal forgiveness. The project replaces 1,075 outdated water meters and upgrades software and remote-reading equipment. The loan has a 2.50% interest rate for 10 years.

The Solid Waste Management Program provides loans and grants for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste tire projects. The program receives dedicated funding through South Dakota's Omnibus Water Funding Bill.

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