The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced on June 6 that the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $150.7 million in loans and grants for drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste projects across the state.
The total funding includes $133,891,400 in low-interest loans—of which $17,884,000 is principal forgiveness—and $16,890,341 in grants to be administered by the department. The funds were awarded from several programs including the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program, Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, Water Environment Fund, General Fund grants, and Solid Waste Management Program.
Projects receiving funding range from upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities in Aberdeen and Hot Springs to new water supply wells in Belle Fourche. Other communities such as Bryant, Canistota, Clear Lake, Crooks, Custer, Elkton, Gregory, Hill City, Milbank and Viborg will use funds for infrastructure improvements like replacing aging sewer lines or upgrading water distribution systems. Grants were also provided for feasibility studies on regional water needs and flood control efforts.
Appropriations from the Water Environment Fund and Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program are funded partly by revenues from the Petroleum Release Compensation Tank Inspection Fee and lottery ticket sales. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated funding for these programs through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill. The Solid Waste Management Program provides loans and grants for disposal and recycling projects with annual legislative appropriations as well.
The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs receive support from both state resources and federal appropriations via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These programs offer low-interest loans for a variety of public utility projects throughout South Dakota.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources supports a thriving economy, varied farming prospects, clean air, clean water and healthy communities for South Dakota residents according to the official website. The department functions as part of South Dakota’s state government according to its official website and aims to safeguard agriculture as well as natural resources through regulatory services and conservation efforts according to its official website. More information about these projects can be found on the official roster page.
