Johnson Brings Together Local Leaders, Economic Development Officials for Tour of Edmunds County

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today brought together community leaders and economic development officials from across Edmunds County as he toured the ongoing development projects in the area. Johnson, a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, saw firsthand where stimulus and other federal funding is making a difference and putting the community on the path towards future growth.

"I was impressed with the progress that Mayor Penfield and others are making in upgrading infrastructure and moving forward with community development projects. I'm glad I could bring together local leaders and economic development officials to hear their plans for the future, and to ensure that federal funding is being well-spent at the community level," said Johnson.

Johnson received an update on the improvements currently being made to the City of Ipswich's water system, which was made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Late last year, the city received a federal grant of $1,635,000 and a loan of $1,593,000 to make these improvements, including the construction of a new 150,000 gallon elevated tower, a back-up power source, and replacing all water meters for the 460 users of the system.

During the tour, Johnson also talked about federal funding the area has received in recent years, including $24,652 in funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program in 2008 that has helped the Ipswich Volunteer Fire Department respond to emergencies across the area.

"It's important that our smaller cities and towns don't get left behind when it comes to federal programs. Although the blanket earmark moratorium put in place by the minority in the Senate will make securing funds more difficult, I will continue to support worthy programs for South Dakota communities from my seat on the Appropriations Committee," said Johnson.

Johnson was joined on the tour by Dave Penfield, Mayor of Ipswich; Amanda Anglin, Ipswich Economic Development Director; LeRoy Kilber, Ipswich City Council/ED Board; Ed Miller, Edmunds County Commissioner, Chair; Dave Williams, Ipswich State Bank, Vice President; June Torrence Heinz, Sanford/Ipswich Clinic; Dean Bahr, Edmunds County FSA Assistant CED; Keith Hainy, General Manager of North Central Farmers Elevator; Mike Hammrich, Ipswich Economic Development Board Member; Mike Olson, Ipswich Public School Board President; Chris and Jason Sylte, Community investors and Scott Moore, FEM General Manager.

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