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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION FOR ELLSWORTH WATER WELL

Significant Investment will Help "BRAC-Proof" EAFB in the Future

May 10, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today announced $3 million in appropriations funding for a new water well at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The funding was included in the House Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which passed the Subcommittee on May 4th and the full Appropriations Committee today.

Herseth said, "This is a major contribution to the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base. A new independent water supply will further strengthen and modernize the base. It also eliminates a potential weakness of the base, thereby helping to protect against future BRAC rounds."

The funding will support construction of a new base water well and treatment facility, as well as a new 3,600-ft waterline connecting the well to the base storage system. Currently, the only source of potable water on Ellsworth Air Force Base is treated water from the Rapid City Water Division. This is also the only source of water for the base's fire suppression system. Moreover, this 16-inch main is not protected off-base and represents a deficiency in force protection standards, which could work against the base in future BRAC rounds. A new secure, potable water source for base consumption and fire fighting is needed in the event their primary source is compromised.

Herseth cautioned that the fight is not over, as the appropriations bill must still pass the full House and a House and Senate conference agreement. Herseth noted the successful bipartisan effort among the South Dakota delegation in the past, and said she is hopeful that this teamwork will again prove successful as the bill moves through the Congress.

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