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Vermillion council directs staff to design utility extension at SD Highway 50 bypass
Summary
The council voted to have staff work with consultants to design and go out to bid on extending water (estimated $100,000) and sanitary sewer (estimated $250,000) under the SD Highway 50 bypass to serve annexed land; a local chamber representative said the Grow campaign may contribute engineering funds.
The Vermillion City Council on Jan. 20 approved a resolution directing staff to work with consultants to design and solicit bids for a proposed extension of city water and sanitary sewer under the South Dakota Highway 50 bypass.
City staff described the project as necessary to serve about 40 acres annexed last year at the northeast corner of Princeton Street and SD Highway 50. Staff provided preliminary, staff‑level cost estimates of roughly $100,000 to extend the city’s 12‑inch water line and about $250,000 to extend the 15‑inch sanitary sewer; engineering and the specific encasement method for utilities under the highway were identified as factors that could change the final cost.
Jim Peterson (recorded in the transcript as “Jim Peterson Chamber”) told the council he and his board are supportive and that funds from the local Grow campaign could be available to help cover engineering costs. “We are very supportive of that, and it's very good for our community,” he told the council.
Council members and the utilities commission discussed whether to wait for possible grant funding; Councillor Hellwig noted staff had searched for grant opportunities and found few viable options, and the commission recommended moving forward so a design would be in place if future development or funding opportunities arise.
Councilor Merer moved to direct staff to proceed with design and bidding; Councilor Hellig seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The motion does not obligate the council to fund construction now but authorizes the design and bid process and returns final bid documents to the council for a subsequent decision.
