City of WS Unanimously Votes to Move Forward with Mid-Dakota Project

In a special meeting held Monday, July 8 at City Hall in Wessington Springs, the City Council voted to move forward with a project to connect the city of Wessington Springs to Mid-Dakota Rural Water. Councilwoman Kari Fagerhaug made the motion with a second from Vicki Harmdierks. The council unanimously voted aye.

The decision follows an announcement made last month regarding funding. On Thursday, June 27, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources approved a $14,730,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan with 100% principal forgiveness for Mid-Dakota to provide bulk water service to the city of Wessington Springs.

The city of Wessington Springs’ current water source has manganese and E. coli levels above recommended human health limits. A DANR press release issued in June said it has been determined that the most cost effective and best long-term solution for the city’s water needs is a bulk connection to Mid-Dakota Rural Water System.

Next steps include Scott Gross, Mid-Dakota General Manager/CEO taking the signed contract to the Mid-Dakota board. Once approved at that level, an environmental and archeological study will be completed as part of the project package that needs to be submitted to the state.

Updates will be published in upcoming editions of the True Dakotan.