Public Works Committee approves $50,000 to Western Dakota Regional Water System

Kristen Konza, executive director of Western Dakota Regional Water System, presented the nonprofit’s five-year plan for a regional water pipeline and asked the Rapid City Public Works Committee for $50,000 in member support; the committee voted to approve the payment.

The request followed a 20-minute presentation and brief questions from committee members and guests. Konza said Western Dakota has completed multiple studies and secured legislative approval for future-use water rights, and that the group seeks municipal members to gain a “seat at the table” as it advances a pipeline and treatment plan to serve the Rapid City area.

Konza told the committee Western Dakota’s concept is “a water pipeline from the Missouri River, a 161 miles, 2,000 foot lift … to the Rapid City Metro Area.” She said the organization has secured roughly 77,000 acre-feet of future-use water rights after obtaining legislative approval to cover a previously short 22,000 acre-feet and that the nonprofit now counts about 46 members ranging from individuals to cities and counties.

Konza described federal and state work already completed, including a study by the South Dakota School of Mines and additional analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey that flagged recharge concerns in some Black Hills aquifers. She said initial state ARPA funds helped Western Dakota “make a case” and that the project will require substantial federal engagement: “We are looking at a 2 to $3,000,000,000 project,” Konza said, adding that work already done could shorten the Bureau of Reclamation’s typical two- to three-year feasibility review to 12–18 months.

Konza said engineers are finalizing a conceptual water treatment and distribution plan, with the primary treatment site planned north of Rapid City and treatment planning placed above the Oahe Dam in Fort Pierre. She also said Western Dakota’s engineers are coordinating with Rapid City water engineers to identify connection points.

During a brief Q&A, a committee member identified as Gavin asked whether the project could use an existing pumping station associated with the Oahe Irrigation Project. Konza said tapping that station or going under the Missouri River would substantially add cost and that Western Dakota plans to take water at a point several miles above Oahe Dam to avoid the extra expense.

Konza asked the committee to renew Rapid City’s member contribution; she said the city previously provided $100,000 under a two-year commitment and this year requested $50,000 so she can return annually with updates. After the presentation, a motion to approve the $50,000 contribution was made, seconded and approved by the committee.

The committee meeting record shows the item was listed as agenda item 13. The presentation and vote concluded the committee’s substantive business for the session.