Pending the final allocation decision by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System will likely secure more than $130 million from the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act to accelerate construction and put the project on the cusp of being able to deliver 45 million gallons a day to its 20 member cities and rural water systems.
Communities not yet connected include Hull, Sheldon, Sibley and Sioux Center in Iowa, as well as Madison, SD. Having everyone connected will have a positive impact on water rates for all 20 members.
“The infrastructure bill is a huge boost for our construction efforts and will have an immense impact on improving the quality of life and expanding economic development opportunities in the tri-state region. We have been at this since the late ’80s and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Vice-Chairman Scott Hain of Worthington in a press release.
Hain noted that Lewis & Clark has enjoyed strong bipartisan support through the years, including from the current congressional delegation of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Jim Hagedorn and Rep. Michelle Fischbach.
“We cannot thank our entire tristate congressional delegation enough for being with us every step of the way. Past and present, each has been a strong supporter of the project. A special thanks to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for supporting the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Hain added.
