[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 1997

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, the need for water development throughout 
South Dakota is great. Nothing is more important to the health of 
ranchers and farmers, and people living in rural areas and small towns 
than safe drinking water. Access to a quality water supply is 
absolutely essential. As we approach the 21st century, we should do 
whatever it takes to guarantee that need is met.
  While considerable progress has been made in providing clean and safe 
drinking water to residents of my State, much work remains to be done. 
Fall River County and Perkins County are examples of areas that 
urgently need to develop new sources of potable water. That is why I am 
introducing bills today to authorize the construction of the Fall River 
Water Users District Rural Water System and the Perkins County Rural 
Water System.
  The communities that would be served by both systems are comprised of 
farmers and ranchers who have had to endure substandard, and at times 
remote, sources of drinking water. The drinking water available in Fall 
River County, SD, like the water in much of the rest of the State, is 
contaminated with high levels of nitrates, sulfates, and dissolved 
solids. Wells have been known to run dry, due to the high frequency of 
droughts in the region. Many people currently must haul water, 
sometimes as much as 60 miles round-trip. Similar problems exist in 
Perkins County, where much of the drinking water fails to meet minimum 
public health standards, there by posing a long-term health risk to the 
citizens of that region.
  My first bill would authorize the construction of a system to bring 
clean water to the residents of Fall River County. I am absolutely 
committed to continuing to work with the Fall River County Water Users 
District, the State and the Federal Government to bring a high quality 
water supply to Fall River County.
  Under the second bill I am introducing today, the Perkins County 
Rural Water System will obtain Missouri River water through the 
southwest pipeline, which is part of the Garrison Diversion Unit in 
North Dakota. This is an efficient and cost-effective approach that 
takes advantage of existing water management infrastructure. Clean, 
safe drinking water will be provided to about 2,500 people who reside 
in the towns of Lemmon and Bison, and the surrounding areas.
  In my experience as director of the South Dakota Municipal League, I 
realize the critical role water plays in a community's development. 
Without a safe and affordable water supply, cities and towns are at a 
severe disadvantage. Current and future residents need the assurance 
that this basic, but vital resource will be there. Farm and ranch 
operators, small businesses, and manufacturers alike depend upon this 
resource.
  The people of Perkins County and Fall River County have gone great 
lengths to provide for themselves. They do, however, need some 
assistance in building the infrastructure necessary to supply water. 
These two bills will supplement those efforts and ensure growth and 
sustainability for these areas of South Dakota.
  It is my hope that my colleagues will join with me in supporting 
these two pieces of legislation, which will provide safe, clean 
drinking water to deserving South Dakota families.

                          ____________________