Western Dakota Regional Water System seeks feasibility study funding; county urged to support multi‑county plan

Kristen Tonzett, representing Western Dakota Regional Water System, told the board the organization has recruited three more members and now lists 45 signatory communities and entities. Tonzett said the group is pursuing a two‑track approach to progress: (1) secure a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study that would comprehensively evaluate options to bring Missouri River water to the region, and (2) pursue congressional action to reinstate a previously‑sunset federal program that funded regional water planning.

Tonzett said engineers have produced preliminary lift and alignment work for a proposed 161‑mile lift from the Missouri River to the Rapid City area; the lift would require roughly a 2,000‑foot pumping lift and generate a large capital cost. She said the organization is also evaluating a “Plan B” of enhanced interconnection among existing Black Hills water systems so that local interdependence would improve reliability regardless of the ultimate Missouri River outcome.

Commissioners expressed support for planning while noting cost and timing questions; staff asked Tonzett for financials and formal budget requests so the county can evaluate contributions. Tonzett said that Pennington County has led the Black Hills effort so far and that county participation would signal regional commitment when the group pursues federal feasibility and congressional support.

Ending — next steps: Western Dakota will provide formal budget/financial materials to county staff; commissioners said they will consider a funding decision after reviewing the feasibility plan, budget and federal funding prospects.