South Dakota Senate Bill SB184

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

Make an appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act monies for preconstruction activities of regional water system projects and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The bill facilitates the effective use of federal funds allocated to the state, which is particularly important in the context of enhancing water infrastructure. By ensuring that these funds can be utilized for preconstruction activities, SB184 aims to expedite projects that can ultimately provide better water access and quality for communities. Furthermore, this investment can lead to job creation through the engineering and construction sectors, bolstering the local economy in the process.

Summary

Senate Bill 184, introduced by Senator Herman Otten, focuses on appropriating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for preconstruction activities of regional water systems in South Dakota. The bill specifically allocates $1,500,000 for the Dakota Mainstream Regional Water System project and $10,000,000 for the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System project. The intent of these appropriations is to support engineering, design, and necessary preparatory work for these significant infrastructure initiatives, which are crucial for water distribution in their respective areas.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intent to allocate federal funds for water infrastructure, potential points of contention may arise from the prioritization of these specific projects. Stakeholders may argue about the distribution of federal resources, questioning whether the chosen projects adequately address the immediate needs of all communities within the state. Additionally, the declaration of an emergency to fast-track the bill's implementation might be perceived as unnecessary by some legislators, fostering debate about the criteria used to justify such an urgent legislative process.