The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) 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.
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.