The Bureau of Reclamation in coordination with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and members of the Mni Wiconi Rural Water Supply System have completed construction of a berm to protect the Missouri River Raw Water Pump Station ensuring continued water service to approximately 30,000 Mni Wiconi customers in south western South Dakota.

"Inspection and observation of the facilities will be ongoing to ensure uninterrupted delivery of water to residents of the Pine Ridge, Rosebud and Lower Brule Reservations and West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water System customers," said Richard Long, Dakotas Area Manager.

The cooperative effort put in place a protective berm and a new overhead power line.

The pump station is part of the Mni Wiconi Rural Water System located in South Dakota. The municipal, rural, and industrial project provides benefits to both tribal and non-tribal populations. At full build-out, this project will serve a population of approximately 52,000. Responsibilities of the Secretary under the Act include the operation and maintenance of existing water systems and appurtenant facilities on the Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Lower Brule Indian Reservations. As of September 30, 2010, the project was approximately 90 percent complete. FY 2012 funding for this project is $16.27 million for construction; and $10.06 million for operation and maintenance.

For additional information please contact Bud Stiles at 605.222.3505.