$600M for water projects gains support, but senators pause progress to gather more information

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A proposal from South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to use the bulk of federal coronavirus relief funding on water and sewage projects has so far met little opposition in the state Senate. But a powerful committee is withholding its approval to vet the proposal further. The Senate State Affairs committee heard enthusiastic support from groups representing municipal governments, water utility providers and a conservation group. It would send $600 million of federal funds to a grant program that would fund water supply projects across the state. But lawmakers want to make sure the state is ready to disburse the funding before the bill gets their blessing.