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Biden-Era Law Sparks ‘Water Renaissance’ in South Dakota, Says Top Environmental Official

South Dakota’s environment leader, Hunter Roberts, has hailed the positive impact of a federal law passed during the Biden administration, which he believes triggered what he calls a “water renaissance” in the state. While Roberts refrained from directly naming the administration, his remarks before the state Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee left little doubt about the source of this transformation.

Roberts, who heads the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, oversees a wide range of critical environmental responsibilities, from regulating drinking water to managing wastewater systems. His recent comments highlighted how federal funding, allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), has become a game-changer for South Dakota’s water infrastructure.

A Groundbreaking Investment in Water Infrastructure

At a recent committee meeting, Roberts revealed that South Dakota had received $689 million from the ARPA fund, which has been channeled into over 200 water-related projects across the state. This significant investment is seen as a step forward in the long-term development of water and wastewater infrastructure.

Roberts expressed the importance of this funding, emphasizing that, without safe and clean drinking water, the state’s future would be at risk. “If we don’t have safe, clean drinking water, what else do we have?” he said, stressing the foundational role water infrastructure plays in public health and economic growth.

Congress passed the ARPA in 2021 to help the nation recover from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The law provided $1.9 trillion in funding, with South Dakota receiving a share of about $1 billion. Although the money was allocated for various state needs—including broadband internet expansion, housing infrastructure, and telemedicine initiatives—the lion’s share of the funds has been directed toward bolstering water systems.

South Dakota water infrastructure ARPA funding

Making Long-Needed Improvements in Water and Wastewater Systems

The water and wastewater infrastructure grants have funded critical projects such as new storage reservoirs, pipes, filtration systems, treatment plants, and wells. Local governments and utilities that were already working to modernize their water systems saw the funds as a helpful boost. For other communities, however, the grants have been a wake-up call, prompting them to invest in aging infrastructure that had been neglected for decades.

Roberts described how some local water systems were overdue for updates but had put off much-needed improvements for years. “Those additional funds kind of spurred our utilities to get off their keister and make those investments that they maybe hadn’t made in 20 to 30 years,” he explained.

This new surge of funding has made it possible for many towns and cities in South Dakota to address issues they might otherwise have had to wait years to tackle. It has also allowed the state to catch up on maintenance that was previously stalled by limited budgets or lack of resources.

Bridging the Gap with Federal Support

ARPA’s broad allocation for infrastructure projects is part of the broader effort to provide relief and stimulate the economy in the aftermath of the pandemic. In addition to helping water systems, it funded various other initiatives aimed at improving broadband internet, housing, and health services—essential aspects of rebuilding communities after widespread economic disruptions.

Though Roberts didn’t explicitly mention President Joe Biden’s name during his comments, it was clear that he was referring to the impact of the law signed by Biden in March 2021. The ARPA legislation was a pivotal piece of the administration’s economic recovery strategy, providing substantial funds directly to states and local governments for pandemic-related and long-term infrastructure needs.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Water Systems in South Dakota

Roberts shared his excitement about the opportunities that have emerged from the funding, acknowledging that while some local utilities had already planned upgrades, the ARPA funds accelerated the process. Looking to the future, he expressed hope that the investments made now would position South Dakota’s water systems for decades of sustainable service.

Although Roberts’ comments have drawn praise from some quarters, his praise of the law comes at a time when political tensions are high, particularly between state and federal leaders. As an appointee of Republican Governor Kristi Noem, Roberts has often found himself at the crossroads of state and federal policies. His words reflect a delicate balance, as he recognizes the value of federal assistance while still working within a state administration that is often at odds with the current federal government.

The long-term benefits of this new investment in water infrastructure remain to be seen, but Roberts’ outlook is positive. “This is a great opportunity for South Dakota,” he concluded, emphasizing the critical nature of these improvements for both public health and the state’s economic growth.

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