South Dakota to get $42M+ for water infrastructure upgrades - KELOLAND.com
South Dakota to get $42M+ for water infrastructure upgrades
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota will get more than $42.9 million for drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades, announced Tuesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The funding is part of the more than 50 billion dollar water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The investment is the largest in American history.
This will support the water infrastructure that will protect public health and water bodies across the state.
About half of the funding will be received as grants, otherwise known as principal forgiveness loans for underserved communities most in need of water upgrades.
The funding will assist cities and towns with aging water infrastructure. Some communities have old, broken or lead pipes that carry drinking water to its residents. It will also help cities that have wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades.
“Over the past three years, EPA has invested nearly $175 million for new and upgraded wastewater and drinking water services in South Dakota communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These projects are building new treatment and delivery systems, creating jobs and securing healthy watersheds and safe drinking water across the state.”
This will support areas that don’t have adequate storm water infrastructure to manage flood impacts from climate change or those that need to treat the water for contaminants like PFAS.
PFAS are chemicals found in just about everything in the world. PFAS don’t break down easily especially in water and can remain in the supply for a long time. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can result in negative health effects such as hormone disruption, increased risk for thyroid disease, change in liver enzymes and higher cholesterol levels.
This will improve water infrastructure projects across the state while protecting public health, preserving water resources and creating jobs.
The funds will also fund low-interest loan programs to be managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which identifies priority projects across the state.
For state-by-state allocations of 2024 funding and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
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