Lewis and Clark Rural Water System is going full speed ahead! We were relieved and excited to learn that not only would most of our Fiscal Year 2003 funding be restored that had been cut, but that the Administration agreed to commit a total of $36 million for Lewis and Clark and Perkins County RWS in its 2004 and 2005 budgets. Considering the Administration had earlier not included any funding for Lewis and Clark in 2004, this turnaround is incredible news.More than the money itself, this signals a strong commitment to the project on behalf of the Administration. This is confirmation once and for all that this vital water pipeline will be built. For that, we have our congressional delegation to thank. Sen. Dayton, Sen. Coleman and Congressman Gutknecht really stepped up to the plate and convinced the Administration of the importance of this vital water project. Our congressional delegations in South Dakota and Iowa also provided strong leadership during this critical time. Without the strong support from all of our elected leaders, none of this would have been possible.When you’re talking about the need for a quality, dependable supply of drinking water for the region, there are no party lines or state lines. It is refreshing to see everyone working together toward a common goal.Troy LarsonExecutive DirectorLewis and Clark Rural Water System
