Two major water main and sewer line replacement projects that were bid last fall and placed on hold due to bids coming in over budget have received approval for additional loan funding from South Dakota Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources (DANR). The funding package approved by the city council relies largely on grant funding and low interest loans secured through state and federal sources.
Resolutions were approved at Monday’s city council meeting to move the bidding process forward. The resolutions are published in this week’s print and e-edition on PAGES SEVEN — ELEVEN
DANR conducted a review of proposals for projects on both College Avenue and 2nd Street that aim to improve the rustcolored water residents sometimes experience and also repair 2nd Street from the underground up.
“In 2011 the city conducted a water system study that pointed to the three blocks on College as a high priority area to repair,” said Wessington Springs Mayor Brian Bergeleen. “And with 2nd Street being the main thoroughfare between the high school and elementary school, plus emergency access to the hospital and nursing home, the projects really rise to the top when it comes to priority.”
With the approval for the additional loan funding, the city will go out for bids once again, with hopes that bids come in within budget. The scope of work has been modified slightly to include more project items completed in-house by employees instead of being included in the bid.
As the process moves forward, additional project details will be published in upcoming print and e-editions of the True Dakotan.
