The biggest City project in modern history just got a sizable boost from the Central Plains Water Development District.
The District, part of the statewide rural water association, has granted the City of Pierre $100,000 to use toward engineering costs and inspection fees for the City’s new drinking water treatment facility.
“To the best of my knowledge, the drinking water treatment project is the biggest local public investment in Pierre’s history,” said Pierre Mayor Steve Harding. “I’m very thankful the water district shares our excitement for the project and is sharing the investment with us.”
“Our goal is clean reliable water,” said Lynnette Eckert, Manager, Central Plains Water Development District. “We are pleased to contribute to this major project that will ensure modern water service for decades to come.”
In June 2018, voters living in Pierre were asked if the City should spend more than $37-million to replace its current well system with a drinking water treatment facility. More than 70% said yes. After two years of planning and design, in August this year, the City of Pierre broke ground on a $37.5 million treatment facility located on the western edge of Pierre. The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.
The Central Plains Water Development District is a member of the South Dakota Rural Water Association. Its mission is to provide assistance for economic development, irrigation, water conservation, water supply, lake restoration, recreation, flood control, watershed management, erosion control, and water quality through water system development.
The Central Plains Water Development District includes Faulk, Hughes, Hyde, Sully and Potter Counties. Representing those counties on the District Board are Greg Lorenz, Ron Crain, Eric Monson, Steve Hinker, and Russell Anderson.