VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO)– Construction on the Lewis & Clark water treatment plant near
Vermillion is expected to start this spring, according a news release from the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System.

A contract for about $103.6 million was awarded to PKG of Fargo, North Dakota, after a March 21 bid opening.

The project is the final phase of the Lewis & Clark water treatment plan near Vermillion.

The phase 3 project will provide the 20-member cities and rural water systems a combined reserve capacity of more than 44 million gallons a day (MGD).

“Not accounting for the time value of money, this is by far the largest contract Lewis & Clark has ever awarded.  Phase 2 of the treatment plant awarded in 2009 had a $66.6 million price tag,” LCRWS Executive Director Troy Larson said in the news release. 

The project is funded by federal and non-federal funds. The construction is expected to be completed in October 2027.