South Dakota secures $25M for critical Richmond Dam rehabilitation project to prevent catastrophe
January 15, 2025 | 2025 Legislative SD, South Dakota
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The Joint Committee on Appropriations convened on January 15, 2025, to discuss critical funding for the Richmond Dam project in Brown County, South Dakota. The meeting highlighted the urgency of rehabilitating the dam, which poses significant risks to local communities, particularly in the event of a breach.
The Richmond Dam project has evolved from a simple spillway replacement to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that includes a new cut-off wall and a labyrinth weir style spillway. Barr Engineering presented updated cost estimates, indicating a total construction cost of approximately $22.7 million. This figure does not account for administrative expenses, which are also significant.
Originally, the project was allocated $6.5 million through Senate Bill 52 during the 2022 legislative session. However, as the scope of the project expanded, an additional $3.15 million was appropriated in 2024 through Senate Bill 70. The committee discussed the potential for federal funding, which could exceed $10 million, although the actual amount is expected to be around $2.9 million.
The total funding required to complete the Richmond Dam rehabilitation is projected to be $25.6 million, contingent upon the passage of House Bill 1026, which seeks to secure the remaining funds. The committee emphasized the importance of this project, noting that failure to address the dam's structural issues could lead to catastrophic consequences for the surrounding areas, including Aberdeen.
Senators expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including local homeowners associations and state agencies, in supporting the project. The discussions underscored the state's responsibility in managing the dam and ensuring the safety of residents and their properties.
As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on securing the necessary funding and completing the project to mitigate the risks associated with the aging infrastructure. The urgency of the situation was clear, with committee members acknowledging the potential for disaster if the dam were to fail. The anticipated legislative actions will be crucial in determining the future of the Richmond Dam and the safety of the communities it serves.
The Richmond Dam project has evolved from a simple spillway replacement to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that includes a new cut-off wall and a labyrinth weir style spillway. Barr Engineering presented updated cost estimates, indicating a total construction cost of approximately $22.7 million. This figure does not account for administrative expenses, which are also significant.
Originally, the project was allocated $6.5 million through Senate Bill 52 during the 2022 legislative session. However, as the scope of the project expanded, an additional $3.15 million was appropriated in 2024 through Senate Bill 70. The committee discussed the potential for federal funding, which could exceed $10 million, although the actual amount is expected to be around $2.9 million.
The total funding required to complete the Richmond Dam rehabilitation is projected to be $25.6 million, contingent upon the passage of House Bill 1026, which seeks to secure the remaining funds. The committee emphasized the importance of this project, noting that failure to address the dam's structural issues could lead to catastrophic consequences for the surrounding areas, including Aberdeen.
Senators expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including local homeowners associations and state agencies, in supporting the project. The discussions underscored the state's responsibility in managing the dam and ensuring the safety of residents and their properties.
As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on securing the necessary funding and completing the project to mitigate the risks associated with the aging infrastructure. The urgency of the situation was clear, with committee members acknowledging the potential for disaster if the dam were to fail. The anticipated legislative actions will be crucial in determining the future of the Richmond Dam and the safety of the communities it serves.
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