PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Legislature on Veto Day voted on SB121.  The bill would provide funding needed for the Richmond Dam and Spillway project.

On Friday, the only bid on the project came from Journey Group Companies at 29.7 million dollars.  The legislature will look to put about 8.2 million dollars toward the project.  A six person panel that morning voted 6-0 to approve the funding needed for this project.

SD House:

Representative Al Novstrup of Aberdeen who was on the committee moved to approved the report.

Representative Terri Jorgenson of Meade County was also on the committee.  She talks about getting updated reports on the progress of it once approved by the legislature.

The South Dakota passed it on a 61 to 3 voted with 6 excused.

SD Senate:

Prime sponsor of the bill was Senator Carl Perry of Aberdeen.  Perry explains his supp0rt of the bill.

Senator Mark Lapka of Leola was also on the committee and talks about his support on the Senate floor.

Senator Michael Rohl of Aberdeen was also on that committee and he too talks about his support.

There was opposition that spoke on the floor.  Senator John Carly of Meade County doesn’t have an issue on the funding needed for the dam but was opposed to getting the money from the unclaimed properties fund.

Speaker Pro Temp Senator Chris Carr of Sioux Falls voted in favor but will work on a bill next year if reelected to restore the over eight million back into the unclaimed properties fund.

The South Dakota Senate voted in favor on a 28-2 vote with 5 excused.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed the bill into law immediately following the session.

“Investing in reliable infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities strong, safe, and free,” saidGovernor Larry Rhoden. “I’m proud to sign this bill to protect the Aberdeen community and ensure the Richmond Lake dam continues to serve South Dakotans for generations to come.”