Farmers are optimistic about the future of the Lewis and Clark rural water project with the $9 million in funding received by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation for 2015. That’s well above the $2.4 million in the President’s original budget. Rock County Minnesota livestock producer Pete Bakken has testified in support of the project, citing the positive impact it would have on livestock production and processing development in the Luverne area and farther down the project line.
After years of waiting on federal funds, the state of Minnesota has invested another $22 million dollars to help communities like Luverne gain much needed access to the water system. So Bakken says while the federal dollar amount is short of the goal, that state commitment leaves him hopeful about the project.

Construction of the pipeline to Luverne is expected to be completed this November.