Sanborn County
Largest City: Woonsocket
County Seat: Woonsocket
Population: 2,675
Organized: 1883
Size: 569 square miles
Located in Southeast South Dakota along the James River, Sanborn County is home to several communities, including Woonsocket, Artesian, Forestburg and Letcher. Approximately 2,675 South Dakotans live within the county, which was named after George W. Sanborn, who founded the county in 1883. Sanborn was an important figure in South Dakota history as the division superintendent of the Milwaukee Railroad. During the first election in 1884, Woonsocket, Letcher and Forestburg competed to become county seat, which Woonsocket attained.
Sanborn County is known for its rich hunting and fishing lands. The James River runs through the county between Woonsocket and Artesian, and it provides a great opportunity for fishing walleye and perch. The land is also rich with whitetail deer and pheasants. The Letcher and Artesian areas are notable for their abundant hunting land. The James River is the largest unnavigable river in the world, but sections can be navigated by small boats in the spring and early summer.
Woonsocket, the county’s largest town, was founded in 1883 by C.H. Prior of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The town’s proximity to artesian wells and railroad facilities created a booming economy. Settlers named Lake Prior in his honor, and turned the swampy area into a lake. The first water festival was held in 1912.
C.H. Prior is an important figure in South Dakota history for his work as superintendent of the Milwaukee Rail Line. Railroad companies played an integral part in development and land sales in Dakota Territory. C.H. Prior was a native New Englander, and named many towns he platted after locations in that region of the country.
The town of Letcher, South Dakota was first established in 1882, and incorporated in 1895. Letcher was named after O.T. Letcher, who worked as Assistant Secretary of Dakota Territory. Letcher is known for its beautiful parks, including Rossy Park and Memorial Park, which are located close to Main Street. Rossy Park is ideal for its shady picnic areas, playground equipment and proximity to Letcher Lake. Memorial Park is near the library, and was dedicated in 2007 for Letcher’s 125th anniversary celebration. Forestburg melons are a staple of South Dakota summers. The roadside melon stands that pop up along highways and in parking lots are a welcome reminder of the joys of summer.
Tim's Work in Sanborn County
- Supporting the Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project
Tim has secured more than $65 million in funding for the Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project in central and eastern South Dakota during his tenure on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The project plays an important role in providing clean water service to 5,500 customers in 28 community water systems including those in Sanborn County.
In 2009, Tim also announced that the Mid-Dakota Rural Water System would receive $12 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to increase capacity from 9 million to 13.5 million gallons and improve the water intake and treatment plant.
Tim also announced in 2009 that the Mid-Dakota Rural Water System would receive a $1 million loan from the EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funds were used to increase water treatment capability by 4.5 million gallons per day.
- Supporting James River Projects
For FY 2010, Tim secured $150,000 in federal funds to find solutions to correct flood conditions in the James River basin due to the spring 2009 flood.
Tim has secured a total of $1,799,000 in federal funding for the James River Water Development District’s Environmental Impact Statement to continue preparation for flood control mitigation projects. Tim secured $335,000 in federal funds for FY 2009, $364,000 for FY 2008, $600,000 for FY 2006 and $500,000 for FY 2005.
Tim announced in 2009 that the USDA would provide $1,157,670 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to restore floodplains along the James River in Sanborn County. The funds helped create twenty jobs, improve the wildlife habitat, and improve the water quality for residents of Sanborn County.
- Supporting Area Special Needs Schools
In FY 2009, Tim announced that the Sanborn Central School District and Woonsocket School District received a total of $93,612 to provide special education services to children with disabilities. Woonsocket School District Received $43,824, and Sanborn Central School District received $49,788 in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- Advancing Technology in Area Schools and Libraries
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tim has supported rural communities through the E-Rate Program. The E-Rate program helps provide distance education by incorporating technology into classrooms and libraries. The E-Rate program is vital for assisting schools in paying for advances in technology and to free up revenues for important educational needs.
In 2007, Tim announced $2,234 and $2,286 in 2006 in E-Rate program grants for the Sanborn Central School District. These funds were used to improve telecommunication services and provide internet access.
Tim announced in 2006 that the Woonsocket School District would receive $1,552 in federal funds to improve telecommunication services.