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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR SOUTH DAKOTA WATER PROJECTS

Energy and Water Appropriations Bill is Finalized

November 8, 2005, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today announced $41.68 million in funding for South Dakota water projects including Lewis & Clark, Mni Wiconi, Mid-Dakota, and Perkins County. The funding is included in the conference report of the FY2006 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which is expected to reach the House floor later this week. That bill also includes more than $6.75 million for additional South Dakota energy and water projects.

Herseth said, “It’s no secret that we are in a tight budget environment, but given these fiscal constraints, I am pleased that we were able to provide continued funding for this critical infrastructure across South Dakota. A safe and adequate supply of drinking water is absolutely essential to economic growth and prosperity in South Dakota, not to mention the everyday health and wellbeing of our families.”

The bill included $22.8 million in construction funding for Mni Wiconi, $17.5 million for Lewis & Clark, $975,000 for Perkins County, and $400,000 for Mid-Dakota. Herseth worked to include and increase this funding as the bill moved through the House and into the conference committee.

Also included in the bill is $1.5 million for the Big Sioux River Flood Control Project located near Sioux Falls; $3.75 million for tribal mitigation projects along the Missouri River; $1 million for the Heartland Grain Fuel bio-fuel research production; and $500,000 for the Fox Ridge Energy and Education Center, located in Faith.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.  She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America.  She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests:  Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources.