By Now that a third chunk of money has been approved for the replacement of Richmond Lake spillway, planning is moving forward in earnest so construction can begin in 2026.
South Dakota legislators approved $13.05 million during the 2025 session for replacement of the dam and construction of a cutoff wall. The bill setting aside those funds has been signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden.
The money was sought by South Dakota School and Public Lands, which is in charge of the maintenance of the 1930s era structure northwest of Aberdeen.
Legislators approved $6.5 million during the 2023 session, followed by $3.1 million in 2024. Additionally, the state is getting $2.94 million through the federal Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Grant Program, which requires a 35% match.
Greenfield
School and Public Lands Commissioner Brock Greenfield said planning is now moving forward with confidence. Engineering work is about 60% complete, he said, and the goal is to get planning done this year so construction can begin in 2026. Greenfield said there might be additional environmental studies needed, but his office is working through that process.
His goal now, he said, is to make sure projects come in at or below the $26 million in estimated costs.
“We’re moving ahead relatively rapidly,” Greenfield said.
The aim is to bid the project in two phases with the construction of the cutoff wall first, followed by the spillway. But, he said, it will be one long project, which means the contractor will only need to stage equipment once — a cost-saving move.
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Once construction begins, he said, traffic on County Road 6 crossing the lake will be rerouted for more than a year.
While the final cost won’t be known until bids are opened, it should be close to projections, Greenfield said.
During committee hearings for the $13.05 million, he stressed the importance of the project.
The current spillway is considered a high-hazard structure, and a breach could cause significant downstream flooding, damage and the potential loss of life, including within Aberdeen.
Work is expected to finish in 2027.
Former Gov. Kristi Noem proposed the money in her budget address before this year’s legislative session.