Larry Pressler: “Today I am joining my colleague from South Dakota, Senator Daschle, in introducing new authorization language for the…”

“Today I am joining my colleague from South Dakota, Senator Daschle, in introducing new authorization language for the Mni Wiconi rural water system. The purpose of this legislation is to include the Lower Brule and Rosebud Reservations in the water system and to authorize the funds needed to complete the project. Last year was a milestone for the Mni Wiconi rural water system. In Wall, SD, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mni Wiconi water system. That event represented yet another step toward achieving safe, clean, drinking water in South Dakota. I commend the South Dakotans working on this project for their hard work and dedication. The Mni Wiconi water project will greatly improve the lives of more than 40,000 South Dakotans. The Mni Wiconi rural water system is vital to ensure the health and economic viability of those who will be served by the project when it is completed. I have supported this project since its inception. I will continue working to ensure that Federal funding is made available to complete the Mni Wiconi water project. For my colleagues who are unaware of the conditions on these reservations, I want to inform them that need is critical. In areas that will be served, much of the drinking water is substandard. In many of these areas there is simply no drinking water. It may be hard to imagine, but thousands of South Dakotans must drive many miles for bottled water and they must have their water transported by truck.”