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Senate approves $8.2 million for Richmond Lake Dam replacement, 28–2; bill headed to governor
Summary
The South Dakota Senate adopted the conference committee report on Senate Bill 121 D on March 30, 2026, approving an $8.2 million appropriation from the unclaimed-property fund to replace Richmond Lake Dam and its spillway and declaring an emergency so work can begin immediately.
The South Dakota Senate on March 30 adopted a conference committee report on Senate Bill 121 D, transferring $8,200,000 from the unclaimed-property trust fund to replace Richmond Lake Dam and its spillway and declaring an emergency so contractors can begin work immediately.
The measure, advanced on a motion by Senator Ernie Otten, passed by a recorded count of 28 yeas, 2 nays and 5 excused. The Senate president declared the motion carried and the report adopted; the bill was delivered to the governor for approval and members were invited to a signing after adjournment.
Why it matters: Senate supporters said the dam is leaking and poses a public-safety risk to downstream communities. "We finally now down to the point where we can actually finish something, for the citizens up in the Aberdeen area,"…
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