ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – On Jan. 31, the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority (SDEDA) held a press conference in which they announced a tentative but highly promising solution for providing water to PFAS-impacted residents.
In September, the Air Force entered into an agreement with SDEDA to provide funds to construct a water system and to connect PFAS-impacted households to a permanent alternate drinking water supply.
After negotiations with the City of Rapid City, the City of Box Elder and Pennington County, a plan to build this new water system — aptly named “The Ellsworth Community Clean Water Project” — has been established and agreed upon with a handshake deal.
“The Air Force takes its partnership with the community and with this ‘Ellsworth Community Clean Water Project’ seriously,” said Glen Kane, Managing Director of SDEDA. “The community has also shown they are serious about being good partners with the Air Force.”
SDEDA and the U.S. Air Force have been working together to provide residents impacted by PFAS with a long term solution since 2019.
Kane and SDEDA have nothing but praise for the entities involved with this partnership. “Thanks to Pennington County, Box Elder and Rapid City collaborating with the Air Force and SDEDA, the goal of getting water to PFAS-impacted residents by late 2024 is still attainable.”
The press conference held on Jan. 31 was a chance for all of the organizations to celebrate the new partnership and water system. “The people are what kept me motivated to get this done,” said Kane. “When you meet with each of the affected property owners one-on-one, helping them is what keeps you going.”
Kane reminded the public that final approval from each entity involved is still needed to proceed on the Ellsworth Community Clean Water Project, but he’s optimistic that this solution is a win for everyone.
