With no shortage of utility infrastructure projects on the horizon in Wessington Springs, on Monday, December 2, the city council passed resolutions authorizing applications for financial assistance on two, new, separate projects: water distribution improvements to remove the remaining cast pipe within the system; and lagoon and lift station improvements to rehabilitate the existing wastewater collection and treatment systems.
A public hearing for each project has been set for December 30, 2024 to discuss the proposed project, proposed financing and the source of repayment for the loan. Lagoon and lift station hearing is slated for 12:10 p.m. and the water distribution hearing is scheduled for 12:15 p.m.
In order to take on the water distribution system improvements, the city is seeking up to $1.6 million. The funds may be in the form of a grant from the state Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, American Rescue Plan or loans from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) with loan terms of 3.25% for 30 years. The Board of Water and Natural Resources may forgive all or a portion of the loan principal.
As for the wastewater collection and treatment system improvements, funding sources may be a grant from the state Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program, American Rescue Plan or loans from Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Programs. The city is seeking up to $1,300,000 from the CWSRF program with loan terms of 3.75% for 30 years. Like the water distribution project, the Board of Water and Natural Resources may forgive all or a portion of the loan principal.
Questions about the hearing may be directed to city hall at (605) 539-1691.