DANR announces over $90 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 $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 towns in our region:

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.

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.

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 floor with a lower level to facilitate loading floor trailers. This award and local funds will cover project costs.

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.

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 addition, this project includes rerouting the trunk sewer and eliminating exposed crossings. The terms of the loan are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Salem also received a $1,400,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace cast iron pipe and asbestos cement pipe water distribution mains, water services, fire hydrants, valves, and related appurtenance. The loan terms are 3.0 percent for 30 years.

Tabor received a $250,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $750,000 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant to upgrade the community’s wastewater collection system. The project includes replacing or lining damaged sewer lines throughout town, replacing manholes, and replacing the sewage lift station. Funding for the project was previously awarded by the board in April 2020. The loan terms are 3.25 percent for 30 years.

Wessington received a $673,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $538,000 in principle forgiveness to make improvements to its water system. Improvements include painting and maintenance on the water tower and replacing fire hydrants and gate valves throughout the system. The loan terms are 0 percent for 30 years.

Wessington Springs received an additional $76,613 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to make sanitary and storm sewer improvements on 2nd Avenue and an additional $165,974 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to make sanitary and storm sewer improvements on College Avenue. Funding for these projects was previously awarded by the board in April 2022. The loan terms are 2.125 percent for 30 years.

Wessington Springs also received an additional $151,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to make water main improvements on 2nd Avenue and an additional $300,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to make water main improvements on College Avenue. Funding for these projects was previously awarded by the board in April 2022. The loan terms are 2.125 percent for 30 years.