Senator Tim Johnson | Working for South Dakota

Mellette County South Dakota

County Name: Mellette County

Largest City: White River

County Seat: White River

Population: 1,982

Organized: 1911

Size: 1,307 square miles

Located in south-central South Dakota, Mellette County is home to Norris, Mosher, Cedar Butte, White River and many other communities. Roughly 1,982 South Dakotans live within the county, which was organized in 1911. The county, comprised of more than 16 different communities, has a rich history. Its location along White River is a favorable spot for fishing and hunting.

The county was named after Arthur C. Mellette, who served as governor of both the Territory of Dakota and the State of South Dakota. Prior to statehood, Mellette was the territory's last governor. When the territory was divided and North and South Dakota were admitted to the Union, Mellette became the first governor of South Dakota.

Mellette had run unopposed for the position. On November 2, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed the proclamation making South Dakota the 40th state of the Union. Mellette's first official act as governor was the issuance of a Thanksgiving Day proclamation on November 11.

The county was opened after the Crook Treaty, named after the General George Crook. The treaty reduced by half what had been the Great Sioux Reservation, which was comprised of all of West River, South Dakota and what is now Boyd County, Nebraska. The Crook Treaty carved out the current boundaries into Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Reservations.

In addition to the county's rich historical background, the location serves as one of the state's best places for hunting and fishing. White River is an ideal site for catching catfish, and is situated in key pheasant hunting territory. White River Frontier Days has been celebrated annually for more than 90 years and features a parade, rodeo, powwow and traditional foods.

Tim's Accomplishments in Mellette County
Continuing funding for the Mni Wiconi Rural Water System
Tim announced in 2009 that an additional $32.2 million will be provided to continue construction of the Mni Wiconi Rural Water System, which is 83% complete. The funding, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used for water treatment, water intake modifications and backup wells to increase storage and improve water system reliability.

Mni Wiconi serves more than 55,000 residents from several counties, including some of the poorest counties in the nation. When complete, it will be one of the largest rural water systems in South Dakota, bringing clean and reliable Missouri River water to families across the plains of southwestern South Dakota.

While a member of the House of Representatives, Tim wrote the law authorizing construction of the Mni Wiconi System, as well as the project's reauthorization in 2002. Over the years he has served on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tim has secured more than $300 million for the project.

Expanding the White River School District
For Fiscal Year 2009, Tim announced that the White River School District would receive $63,125 from the Impact Aid Construction Formula Grant. The funding would be used to repair and modernize schools, as well as alleviate overcrowding.

Improving Local Ambulance Facility
In September of 2008, Tim announced that the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Ambulance service would receive $189,677 to construct a new ambulance facility as well as purchase new vehicles and related equipment. The funding will ensure that the ambulance facility is properly equipped to respond to the 5,000 calls received each year.

Improving South Dakota Highways
In June 2008, Tim announced that Mellette, Shannon and Jackson Counties had been awarded a total of $2,102,618 in federal funding to repave South Dakota Highway 44, as well as BIA Route 14 and South Dakota Highway 73. South Dakota Highway 44 is a major transportation corridor in Mellette County, running East-West across the county.

Tim Supports Local Fire Department
In February 2008, Tim announced that the Mellette County Ambulance would receive a $24,700 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in order to improve the unit's ability to respond to emergencies.

Improving Local Fire Department
In September 2005, Tim announced that Mellette County would receive $142,750 from USDA Rural Development to construct a new EMS building and fire hall. In addition, the county received $13,915 to purchase a first responder vehicle and equipment to keep the community safe.

New Fire Hall
In August 2005, Tim announced that the city of Wood would receive $44,500 in funding to construct a new fire hall. The funding, which came from USDA Rural Development, consisted of a $20,000 grant and a $24,500 low-interest loan.