Make appropriations for water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency.
SB33 is an appropriations bill for water and environmental purposes in South Dakota, and it is declared an emergency measure so it takes effect immediately upon approval. The bill directs money from the South Dakota water and environment fund, administrative surcharge fee subfunds, and federal funds to the Board of Water and Natural Resources for a series of water, wastewater, solid waste, and drinking water projects and programs.
The largest allocations include $30 million in federal authority for projects addressing emerging contaminants in drinking water, $12 million for the state consolidated water facilities construction program, $2.5 million for solid waste management, $2 million for the Water Investment in Northern South Dakota project, and $1 million for the Dakota Mainstem regional water system study. It also provides smaller amounts for water quality grants, application preparation and administration of revolving fund loans, and technical assistance for small systems. The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Board of Water and Natural Resources to administer the funds under existing statutory programs, with unspent amounts reverting under standard procedures.
SB33 does not create a new regulatory program, but it significantly increases spending authority for existing water and environmental programs under Title 46A, including the state consolidated water facilities construction program, the solid waste management program, and the state drinking water and water pollution control revolving fund programs. It also expands funding for cleanup of waste tires and solid waste, and allows the department to fund up to 100 percent of the nonfederal share for certain statewide cleanup projects. The bill affects local project sponsors, eligible utilities, and communities seeking grants, loans, technical assistance, or project administration support for drinking water, wastewater, and environmental cleanup projects.
The bill appears to have broad support. The recorded votes show strong do-pass margins in committee and on the floor, with only limited opposition in the House vote. The absence of committee transcript debate suggests the measure was largely viewed as a routine but important funding bill for infrastructure, water quality, and environmental needs.
There is little visible contention in the available record, but the main policy choices are the size and distribution of appropriations across competing water and environmental priorities. Potential points of interest include the large federal allocation for emerging contaminants, the use of state funds for regional water system planning and construction, and the authority to cover up to 100 percent of the nonfederal share for statewide waste tire and solid waste cleanup. Any disagreement likely centered on funding levels, project selection, and the balance between statewide cleanup efforts and local infrastructure needs.