YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The Yankton City Commission unanimously approved a forty-four-million-dollar project to make major upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant in Riverside Park.

Environmental Services Director Kyle Goodmanson told the commission the plant will be an ongoing project.

There had been some debate over moving the plant to a new location at a cost of up to eighty million dollars.

Finance Director Al Viereck says no matter the plan, wastewater rates will have to go up

Kevin Fairchild with Cimpl Meat packers in Yankton told the commission of their concern with the costs.

The project has moved to the fast track because of the availability of state and federal grant dollars.