Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011PIERRE, S.D. –Leola’s aging wastewater system will soon get an upgrade, thanks in part to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) approved this week by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. The Governor awarded Leola $207,500 in CDBG funds to fortify the current sewer system with new piping and to upgrade the current lagoon from a one-cell holding pond into a three-cell holding pond. Leola’s wastewater system was built in 1960. The sewer lines are beginning to break and the lagoon no longer is capable of handling discharge demands. “This project will have an immediate and long-term positive impact on the community,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Modernizing the wastewater system helps ensure the community will have safe and sanitary wastewater disposal services for years to come.” This project includes the lining of more than 23,700 feet of sewer pipe. Construction is anticipated to start this fall. CDBG is a reimbursement program, and Leola will receive funds as work is completed. The program provides communities with financial resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Past grants have been used for improvements and construction of community buildings, water systems, and sewer systems. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the CDBG Program, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development administers it. -30-