Opinion

Editorial: Water projects for South Dakota tribes

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"President Bush vetoed the Water Resources Development Act, saying it was fiscally irresponsible and filled with too many special interest projects. Congress disagreed. The House of Representatives overrode the veto on Nov. 6; the Senate on Nov. 8.

No doubt there was plenty of pork in the bill — among the 900 different projects it authorizes were numerous beach resort improvements. But there are also critical water infrastructure projects, including one for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe that will ensure clean, safe drinking water for 14,000 people in four western South Dakota counties.

The WRDA authorizes $65 million to upgrade the Mni Waste Rural and Municipal Water System. For years, that antiquated and severely undersized water system has taken its water from the drought-stricken Cheyenne River. The new legislation allows the Army Corps of Engineers to relocate the water intake into the mainstream of the Missouri River instead, improving water quality and health as well as housing and economic development potential for the tribe."

Get the Story:
Water systems: pay now or pay more (The Rapid City Journal 11/13)

Get the Bill:
Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (H.R.1495)

Roll Call:
Senate: On Overriding the Veto (Shall H.R. 1495 Pass, the Objections of the President of the United States to the Contrary Notwithstanding?) (November 8, 2007) | House : Passage, Objections of the President Not Withstanding (November 6, 2007)