State Director for Rural Development Elsie Meeks and Rural Development Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs Jacqueline M. Ponti-Lazaruk (Washington, DC) joined Fall River Water Users District representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony to symbolize the completion of the newly constructed well and well house located along Highway 385, 1 ½ miles east of Hot Springs. Financing support for the project was provided through a $1,180,000 Rural Development Water and Environmental Program loan.
“This project will allow the District to provide their customers with continued, uninterrupted service,” said Meeks. “Improving health, safety, and overall water quality is important for the residents and businesses as well as improving the economic outlook for this community.”
The District had been purchasing water from the City of Hot Springs and it was no longer cost effective. The new system will provide greater control on the costs of doing business and is expected to save the District a significant amount of money. The system will serve 384 rural residential customers and 86 commercial customers.
"The financial stability of the region would be in jeopardy during periods of drought without the availability of water for humans and livestock,” said Keith Neugebauer, Manager of Fall River Water Users District. “Now thanks to the support of USDA and Rural Development the Fall River Water Users District has a high quality and low cost water supply that will make the district a viable system many years into the future. The completion of the well helps us achieve our mission of providing quality water at the lowest possible cost to promote economic growth and stability in the area.”
USDA Rural Development in South Dakota has offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. For more information, visit the USDA Rural Development website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/sd.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.