FORT PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The Fort Pierre City Council is still considering the options regarding the future of water storage for the town.

During a special meeting on Friday (June 28, 2024), town leaders had an in-depth discussion with representatives from engineering companies Bartlett & West and Brosz Engineering, the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Central South Dakota Enhancement District.

During this week’s regular meeting, Alderman Larry Cronin referenced a report completed a few years ago by Interstate Engineering that recommends putting another, equal size water tank on the hill by the current one.

Cronin said at the time, officials thought the town would be able to hook up to two sources of water, but that didn’t happen.

Alderman Todd Bernhard said the current water storage project received a loan with an interest rate of 2.125%. He says changing the project now could cost the Fort Pierre millions of dollars.

Paul Mehlhaff with the Central SD Enhancement District shared some rough numbers to show the financial impact of each option, based on current conditions.

Alderman Rick Cronin said it most likely comes down to dollars and cents.

No one from the public provided comments during the meeting and the Fort Pierre City Council didn’t take any action regarding the project’s future.