South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed a bill (HB1256) that sets aside three million dollars for cleanup of the Big Sioux River watershed.

Jay Gilbertson, Manager of the East Dakota Water Development District in Brookings, says it’s a pretty simple bill…

Gilbertson says there is a deadline to use the money in and along the river…

Gilbertson says there are several improvement plans underway now…

Gilbertson says those buffers can help slow organic runoff into the river and improve the water quality. He says it’s a major step by the legislature to use state dollars for river improvements.