STURGIS - As part of the City of Sturgis’ ongoing commitment to provide reliable infrastructure both now and into the future, the city is actively enhancing its existing sanitary sewer system. 

On Jan. 22, 2023, the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources approved a $10.3 million Clean Water State Revolving Loan for the city. 

The term of the loan is 2.125% for 30 years. This means that the city must add a fee of $11.10 to ensure that there is enough money to cover the necessary debt payments. That fee or surcharge was listed on the April utility bill statement.

This investment is essential for maintaining the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the city’s services, said Sturgis Mayor Angela Wilkerson. 

The first phase of planned upgrades includes the installation of a new 15-inch PVC sewer trunk line starting in the Sturgis City Park near Blanche Street and extending west to Avalanche Road.  Construction of this phase was awarded on March 18, 2024, to Dakota Redi-Mix, Inc. in the amount of $4,037,937.70 and is scheduled to start this spring and finish in 2025. 

This line will integrate with the city’s existing sewer infrastructure, serving both current residents as well as providing for future growth. 

“This upgrade is designed to provide dependable service to these areas and reduce strain on our existing sewer lines that have been determined to be deficient and causing back up problems,” Bush said.

These enhancements are part of our ongoing commitment to improving our community, the mayor said.

“This project will provide peace of mind that our infrastructure is healthy, reliable, and capable of supporting our community’s needs now and, in the future,” Wilkerson said.