Gov. Noem Signs Appropriation Legislation to Provide Funding for Western Dakota Regional Water System Feasibility Study
(March 18, 2024) The Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is thankful for the legislative passage and signing of Senate Bills 16 and 53, both are Acts to make appropriations for water and environmental purposes. Gov. Kristi Noem signed SB 53 on March 14. The legislation includes $89,384,221 in federal fund expenditure authority to the Board of Water and Natural Resources to provide grants for eligible water and wastewater projects previously awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The bill also includes $28 million in federal fund expenditure authority to the Board of Water and Natural Resources for the expenditure of state fiscal recovery fund money authorized by ARPA.
On February 15th, Gov. Noem signed Senate Bill 16 which includes a $1 million grant for WDRWS to conduct a feasibility-level study and administration of the study. The approved appropriations will come from the South Dakota Water and Environment Fund and be distributed by the Board of Water and Natural Resources.
“Thank you to Governor Noem, the South Dakota Legislature, and the Board of Water and Natural Resources for prioritizing water and planning for the future,” says Doug Curry, P.E., WDRWS President.
The WDRWS feasibility study involves the evaluation of potential Missouri River and Lake Oahe intake locations, interconnectedness of existing water resources, and pipeline routing from the Missouri River. The WDRWS was formed in late 2021 and the feasibility study began in early 2022. The initial study is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“The Western Dakota Regional Water System has the potential to provide generational benefits to west river residents. Funding the project’s feasibility study is the first step to finding a long-term solution to the region’s water supply limitations as we face continued population growth,” says Sen. Helene Duhamel, R-Rapid City.
The State of South Dakota previously allocated $1 million to the WDRWS feasibility study during the 2023 legislative session, as well as $8 million in ARPA funds in 2022. West river communities, water systems, and organizations have contributed over $300,000 in required matching funds.
ABOUT WDRWS Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is a non-profit corporation, formed to address the need for water in western South Dakota. A 2019 study by the South Dakota Mines showed a current shortage of water under drought conditions. Projected population growth and the ongoing threat of drought illustrate the need for the WDRWS to bring water to west river. The WDRWS is an alliance of forward-thinking community, governmental and water system leaders who believe that the future of western South Dakota will be fueled by access to abundant and quality water. Large and small public water systems, associate members, and individuals make up the membership of the WDRWS. Learn more by visiting WDRWS.org
Contact:
Katie LeClair
WDRWS Operations Manager
Katie.LeClair@wdrws.org
