Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and City of Prior Lake announce long-term water agreement
SMSC to build joint water treatment facility that will service both communities
Prior Lake, Minnesota – The City of Prior Lake and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced a water purchase and facility expansion agreement for a new joint water treatment facility that will serve both communities. The Prior Lake City Council approved the agreement on Monday evening, marking the final step in the approval process. The SMSC’s General Council approved the project in March 2017, and the SMSC’s Business Council approved the final terms of the agreement earlier this month.
“Preparing for the future needs of our Community and protecting our natural resources is critical to the SMSC, as well as the City of Prior Lake,” said SMSC Chairman Charles R. Vig. “By working together toward these shared goals, we’ll be able to provide for our communities and better protect the area’s groundwater from overuse and pollution.”
The new South Water Treatment Facility will be located near Dakotah! Sport and Fitness on the south side of County Road 82. It will be connected to the current North Water Treatment Facility in Prior Lake, allowing the SMSC to operate the two facilities as one system. The newly approved agreement will cover both facilities and has no termination date. It replaces the previous 25-year water purchase agreement between the tribe and city from May 2014.
“This agreement, linking our water facilities together, speaks to the strength and importance of our relationship with the SMSC,” said Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs. “We are proud to partner with our neighbors and collaborate on projects like this that deliver significant value to taxpayers and are in the best interest of our communities.”
Construction of the new South Water Treatment Facility began earlier this fall with the SMSC responsible for overseeing the project. The $22.5 million project will primarily be funded by the SMSC. The city is contributing $2.2 million for the equipment necessary to provide the city with treated water now and into the future. The facility is designed to allow for future expansion when the city determines that increased water supply is necessary.
“This is the latest in a long series of collaborative projects and agreements between our tribe and the City of Prior Lake,” said SMSC Vice-Chairman Keith B. Anderson. “As a sovereign nation and our own governmental entity, we are glad to be involved in intergovernmental agreements with our neighbors that make lasting partnerships possible and benefit our community.”
In July 2016, the Prior Lake City Council voted to pursue this agreement with the SMSC. The SMSC’s General Council voted to pursue the agreement in March 2017 before it was approved by the SMSC’s Business Council earlier this month and the City Council on Monday.
“It is important that we finalize this project with the SMSC and begin this expanded partnership,” said Prior Lake Councilmember Zach Braid. “This agreement allows us to meet our water needs now and into the future while minimizing infrastructure costs.”
Per the new agreement, the City of Prior Lake will have the right to purchase water from the SMSC in amounts up to 1.2 million gallons per day through June 30, 2019, and 2.2 million gallons each day after.
About the City of Prior Lake
Prior Lake is a community known for its lakes, outdoor amenities, recreation, entertainment venues, and opportunities. Coupled with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the other entertainment venues in northern Scott County and the vibrant regional parks, Prior Lake enjoys a regional and national reputation as a great place to visit and stay. The 25,000+ residents of Prior Lake reinforce a warm, small-town feel by welcoming visitors with courtesy and hospitality. Prior Lake’s downtown area serves as the hub of the City, offering a walkable destination, specialty shopping, dining, entertainment and services that meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. Prior Lake is a wonderful place to live, work and play for a lifetime.
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.