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few years when the need arises, according to Jim Feeney, director of the division of financial and technical assistance.
• The projects range from new filtration equipment and pumps at water treatment plants to measures that make landfills more environmentally efficient. Documents for the meeting show the board has taken bonds for the last 25 years, most recently in 2012.
• The seven-member panel also will review proposed changes to the State Water Plan. The existing plan indicates that no additional leveraged bonds would be required in 2014, but a proposed change indicates that approximately $60 million in leveraged bonds will be required in 2014 and 2015. The bonds are used as a required state match to federal funds.
• In a tentative schedule, proposals would be due July 21 and closing would be complete before the end of the year.
• Feeney said the board will fund all water projects requested, using a combination of state and federal funds as grants and low-interest loans. The funds are divided into several different pools for different needs, including drinking water facilities to solid waste management. The Town of Westport, for example, is requesting Drinking Water Facilities Funding to replace all the water meters in town, because replacement parts for their 20-year-old meters are no longer manufactured.
• Upon receiving applications for water projects, such as those affecting storm sewers, staff will consider the requester's ability to pay then make a recommendation to the board, Feeney said. All municipalities or other entities requesting funds must be first added to the State Water Plan by the board.
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• VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) -- Former University of South Dakota standout basketball center Trevor Gruis has signed to play with a professional team in Sweden.
• The 6-foot-10 Gruis signed with Jamtland in Sweden's Premier League on Tuesday. He says he's nervous about leaving the country but excited about continuing his basketball career.
• Gruis ended his college career with 1,340 points, 767 rebounds and 112 blocks. He started 102 consecutive games for the Coyotes.
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