Creating A Pathway for Bureau of Reclamation to Study Rural Water Challenges in the West
Sen. Mike Rounds will be the Keynote Speaker at the WDRWS Annual Meeting. He and Minn. Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced legislation to streamline the study and authorization for WDRWS and similar projects.
In June, Senator Mike Rounds co-sponsored legislation that could fast track construction of planned rural water systems in western states. This bill, co-sponsored with Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, was written in order to reauthorize a more streamlined process for initiating rural water projects that was created with the Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006.
In a press release from his office, Senator Rounds explained, “Access to clean water in rural areas is critical for South Dakotans. Authorizing each project individually causes these systems to get bogged down in unnecessary bureaucratic processes. Renewing the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to study and authorize rural water systems will help deliver clean water by eliminating the need to authorize each project individually. I’m pleased to introduce this legislation with Senator Klobuchar to make it easier for America’s
most rural residents to access the water they need.”
This legislation, if signed into law, could expedite the work of WDRWS and other rural water projects. This legislation was endorsed by WDRWS, South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems and the National Rural Water Association. Jeremiah Corbin, Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems said, “Senator Rounds’ approach to reauthorizing the Rural Water Supply program exemplifies a no-nonsense strategy to streamline the federal process, ensuring more efficient and effective support for rural communities in South Dakota.”
To read the full text of the bill, scan the QR code.
WDRWS Annual Meeting is coming September 5.
Letter from the Executive Director
Cheryl Chapman shares her thoughts on recently introduced legislation that would streamline planning for WDRWS.
We applaud Senator Rounds for bringing this important legislation to reenact the Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006. This measure will streamline the planning efforts to make WDRWS a reality. The legislation will also benefit similar East River efforts. Currently, large scale water projects require two levels of congressional authorization – first for feasibility studies and a second for construction. The Rural Water Supply Program would allow Reclamation to develop and recommend rural water supply projects without requiring authorization to complete a feasibility study. Without it, Congress must authorize feasibility studies on a case-by-case basis. The legislation proposed by Senators Rounds and Klobuchar would reauthorize the program for eight more years.
Cheryl
Chapman,
Ph.D, PE Executive Director
Annual Meeting Agenda Highlights
Join us for the 4th WDRWS Annual Meeting on September 5th at The Box in Box Elder. Connect with others who are interested in securing the water needs of western South Dakota and discover more about the progress that is being made. You will also hear informative presentations from experts working in areas that matter to you.
When: September 5
Where: The Box Event Center, 631 WaTiki Way, Box Elder Cost: Free, please register by scanning:
Schedule: 8 AM: Check-In
9 AM: Conference
Noon: Luncheon
1 PM: Annual Meeting
3 PM: Adjourn
Featured Presenters
Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Mike Rounds
An update on the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base, with Colonel Derek Oakley, Commander, 28th Bomb Wing
Andy Bruels, PE, South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
A discussion about the trends in water use in the Black Hills Region from 1990-2020, with Galen Hoogestraat and Bill Eldridge, Hydrologists, Dakota Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey
Frequently asked question
At our open houses, we often hear a handful of common questions. Below is one of those questions and its answer.
Question: Can an individual property owner become a member of WDRWS?
Answer: WDRWS is intended to provide water to water systems, not individual connections. As a result, membership is open only to water systems. However, individuals are invited to become a Supporting Individual. This designation does not have voting privileges but provides access to Quarterly Technical Sessions, Quarterly Newsletters, the Annual Meeting, and is intended to keep all potential beneficiaries involved in discussion and apprised of system progress. It is likely that interested individuals fall within the service area of a water system that is eligible for membership or is already a member of WDRWS. Follow us on Facebook for even more updates.
Technical Sessions
Technical sessions are quarterly presentations that cover topics pertinent to the work of WDRWS. Fill out the contact form at wdrws.org/contact to request a Zoom link to upcoming technical sessions.
Quarterly Technical Session, Friday, October 4th at noon mountain time.
“What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and How Does it Apply to WDRWS?” presented by James “Ken” McCarron, Ph.D. Dr. Ken McCarron began his 30-year career as an academic researcher and is currently the Environmental Group Manager for KLJ Engineering. He has overseen environmental permitting, environmental assessments, and wetland assessments / delineations, as well as ecosystem surveys and mapping across North America and internationally.
Individuals and water system organizations of any size are able to support the work of WDRWS. So whether you’re a subdivision, a municipality or an organization who has a stake in our water future, please consider joining.
Class 1 Member
Voting member – $1500 annual dues
An organization with at least 200 residential connections or commercial equivalent
Class 2 Member
Voting member – $750 annual dues
An organization with less than 200 connections or commercial equivalent or an organization with over 200 residential connections that is fully built out within its jurisdictional territory
Open Houses
Open house events are important for assessing the unique needs of communities across the region.These events are also opportunities to educate community members and leaders about WDRWS and for those in attendance to ask questions. If your community, subdivision or other group is interested in hosting an open house, please contact us at OfficeAdmin@ wdrws.org or 605.989.2269.
Associate Member
Non-voting member –$375 annual dues
Any firm, corporation, political entity, or subdivision not eligible to be a voting member but desiring to support WDRWS
Supporting Individual
Non-member – $50 annual dues
Any individual or interested party desiring to support WDRWS
PO Box 484
Rapid City, South Dakota 57709
WDRWS Summer Interns
Introducing two SD Mines students who recently joined the WDRWS team.
WDRWS summer interns, Piper and Molly, are assisting the work of WDRWS by gathering and analyzing data from small water systems. This information is important to pinpoint the needs and feasibility of these smaller systems throughout the region.
Elevate Rapid City generously granted funding to WDRWS to allow the organization to offer internships this summer.
Thank you, Elevate!
Will we see you in Box Elder? Let us know — registration is appreciated for planning purposes. WDRWS members are encouraged to attend. Registration at 8:00 Program at 9:00 Annual Membership Meeting at 1:00
Register for free here
Subscribe to the WDRWS e-newsletter to get the latest news in your inbox, including updates about the Annual Meeting.
Become a member by filling out this ticket and mailing it to Western Dakota Regional Water System, PO Box 484, Rapid City, SD 57709. You can also join electronically at wdrws.org/membership.
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