PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem says the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved a $4,511,700 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for Mitchell to make storm water and sanitary sewer system improvements in the east central drainage basin.
The loans will be administered through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“I am pleased to announce that the City of Mitchell will receive this assistance,” said Gov. Noem. “The loan will help the city continue making needed upgrades to the sanitary sewer and storm water utilities in the east central drainage basin.”
The funding allows the city to move forward with phase two utility upgrades in the east central drainage basin. The project area is bounded by Sanborn Boulevard to the west, Burr Street to the east, Havens Street to the South, and Dry Run Creek to the north. Plans and specifications for the additional utility work are being completed and the city anticipates bid letting in 2020.
The nonpoint source funding component provides $311,700 for the continued installation of nonpoint source best management practices in the Firesteel Creek watershed basin, such as stream stabilization, grazing management, agricultural waste management and vegetative buffers. Mitchell will partner with the James River Water Development District to implement the best management practices to reduce sediment and nutrient loads in the watershed.
The loan will cover the estimated cost of phase two of the project. Loan terms are 1.25 percent for 20 years.
The State of South Dakota and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fund the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, which provides low-interest loans for public drinking water system projects and low-interest loans for wastewater, storm water and nonpoint source projects.
The board met Monday via remote video connection.