PIERRE — Last week the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $172,554,815 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, storm water and solid waste projects in South Dakota.

The $172,554,815 total consists of $20,007,550 in grants and $152,547,265 in low-interest loans, including $10,986,600 in principal forgiveness to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“I am pleased to announce this financial assistance is available,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure help protect our environment and strengthen communities for our kids and grandkids.”

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

Aurora received a $1,751,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, a $1,030,800 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Construction Grant, and $601,400 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant to construct a 250,000-gallon elevated water tower to replace the existing tower and 1,400 feet of water main. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Clear Lake received a $3,500,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace the main lift station, valve vault, the force main pipe to the primary cell of the wastewater treatment system, and upgrades to 1,800 feet of storm sewer pipe and storm sewer structures. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Clear Lake also received a $3,694,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to replace existing water main and appurtenances in the northwest portion of the city including approximately 7,000 feet of PVC water main. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Elkton received a $936,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $934,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Water Quality grant to continue replacing vitrified clay sewer main including 3,530 feet of sewer main and associated sewer structures. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Elkton also received a $778,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $222,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Construction grant to continue replacing cast iron water main piping south of the railroad tracks. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Kingbrook Rural Water System received a $14,500,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to construct 15.5 of transmission main and other facilities to enhance the reliability of the existing water system and add capacity to the DeSmet WTP service area. The loan terms are 3.50 percent for 30 years.

Lake Preston received a $2,653,600 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with $1,063,600 in principal forgiveness to replace aged sanitary sewer mains, sewer service lines, manholes and related appurtenances. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Lake Preston also received a $2,492,100 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan with $2,118,200 in principal forgiveness to replace aged cast iron water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances. The loan terms are 3.5 percent for 30 years.

North Brookings Sanitary & Water District received a $1,597,450 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $761,550 Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program grant to reline sanitary sewer lines and rehabilitate manholes throughout the wastewater collection system. The loan terms are 3.75 percent for 30 years.

Water Investment in Northern South Dakota (WINS) received a $5,000,000 Water Environmental Fund Appropriation grant to provide up to 42.1 million gallons per day of treated drinking water to the northeast South Dakota region. The project is a collaboration between the city of Aberdeen, BDM Rural Water System, and WEB Water Development Association and consists of 148 miles of pipeline and associated water treatment and storage infrastructure.

Appropriations from the Water Environment Fund and Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program are funded in part by revenues from the Petroleum Release Compensation Tank Inspection fee and the sale of lotto tickets. These appropriations provide funding for water, wastewater, and watershed projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated water and waste funding for State Water Resources Management System projects in the form of Water Environment Fund Appropriations and the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill.

The Solid Waste Management Program provides grants and loans for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste tire projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated funding for the Solid Waste Management Program through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill.

The State of South Dakota and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs, which provide low-interest loans for wastewater, storm water, water conservation, nonpoint source projects, and public drinking water system projects. The programs are funded through a combination of federal appropriations, loan repayments, and bonds.