FOR MORE INFORMATION: James Feeney or Mike Perkovich, (605) 773-4216
Gov. Rounds Announces Nearly $600,000 for Environmental Projects
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds announced Monday that the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved nearly $600,000 in grants and low-interest loans for wastewater projects in Conde, Rosholt and Hecla.
The approvals included two grants and one low-interest loan, and principal forgiveness on the loan under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
“We are pleased to make these funds available for projects that use both dedicated state funding and federal stimulus funds to create and retain jobs,” Gov. Rounds said. “These projects will result in better services for residents and increased protection of the environment.”
The $593,390 total includes two Water Quality grants totaling $450,000, and a $143,390 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program. The loan includes $14,339 in principal forgiveness.
The state board has adopted administrative rules to allow the use of ARRA funds to award principal forgiveness of at least 10 percent on qualified loans. The federal act authorizes the board to award $38.7 million in EPA State Revolving Funds for wastewater, drinking water, and storm water projects.
The Water Quality grants are awarded for wastewater and watershed projects statewide. The Legislature authorized the award of the grants through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill. The Water Quality grants are for:
|
Project Sponsor
|
Description
|
Grants
|
|
Conde
|
Wastewater Collection/Treatment Improvements
|
$ 200,000
|
|
Rosholt
|
Wastewater Collection & Treatment Rehabilitation
|
$ 250,000
|
|
|
Total
|
$ 450,000
|
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program provides low-interest loans for wastewater and storm sewer projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program loan projects and those with principal forgiveness include:
|
Project
Sponsor
|
Description
|
Principal
Forgiveness
|
Loans
|
|
Hecla
|
Sanitary Sewer Replacement
|
$ 14,339
|
$ 129,051
|
|
|
Total
|
$ 14,339
|
$ 129,051
|
The Board of Water and Natural Resources began awarding principal forgiveness in March for EPA State Revolving Fund loan applications that met program eligibility requirements. Projects eligible for stimulus funds can be provided at least 10 percent principal forgiveness on State Revolving Fund loans for wastewater, drinking water, and storm water projects. Principal forgiveness awards to date can be found at http://denr.sd.gov/stimulussrffunding.aspx.
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