Herseth for Congress

Base gets $3 million for well
By Bill Harlan, Journal Staff Writer
May 19, 2006

ELLSWORTH AFB -- Ellsworth Air Force Base will get $3 million for a new water well that could help protect the base against closure, base supporters say.

Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., announced the appropriation Wednesday. "This is a major contribution to the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base," she said in a written statement.

Rapid City banker Bruce Rampelberg, chairman of the local Ellsworth Task Force, agreed that the new well and a new 3,600-foot water line will help secure the base.

"It's one more step in the right direction," Rampelberg said.

Ellsworth currently uses water from Pactola Reservoir. The Air Force pays Rapid City to treat the water, which is delivered to the base using a 16-inch water main. But the pipeline is not protected off base.

Rampelberg said the unprotected line was an issue during last year's round of base closings. The Pentagon recommended closing Ellsworth, but the independent base-closing commission rejected the recommendation.

According to base civil engineers, Ellsworth used 361 million gallons of water in fiscal 2005 at a cost of about $261,000. Rapid City will continue to be the main source of water to Ellsworth, base officials say. The well will provide backup in case of catastrophic fires or disruption of the pipeline from Rapid City.

"This is a precautionary move on the part of the Air Force," Rampelberg said. "It's good strategic planning."

Contact Bill harlan at 394-8424 or at bill.harlan@rapidcityjournal.com

Paid for by Herseth for Congress