SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The state of South Dakota is still mourning the loss of former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson.
Johnson’s impact as a senator and congressman is being felt all across South Dakota.
Ellsworth Air Force Base might not be where it is today if not for the hard work of Senator Johnson and the other members of South Dakota’s Congressional delegation.
When the Base Realignment and Closure Commission or (BRAC) recommended closing Ellsworth, Johnson assisted in making sure the base stayed open.
Ultimately, the base was preserved by an 8 to 1 vote by the BRAC commission.
Johnson served on a number of committees instrumental to South Dakotans, including the ag committee, where he worked feverishly to enact a requirement that meat and other agricultural products be labeled for country of origin.
Another project Senator Johnson was instrumental in getting funding for was the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System.
“If Lewis and Clark had a Mount Rushmore it would include Senator Daschle, Senator Johnson and Congressman,” Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Troy Larson said.
Larson still hangs a picture in their office of Senator Johnson, who attended the groundbreaking back in 2003.
“Senator Johnson was an incredible champion for the project he was instrumental in helping get the project authorized way back in 2000 and to help start the funding stream that was critical for us not only to be authorized but to get the initial funding and through the years he played an integral role on the energy and water appropriations subcommittees securing ongoing funding for the project,” Larson said.
Lewis and Clark now serves over 350,00 people in the tri-state area.
In fact, Sioux Falls gets half of its drinking water from Lewis and Clark.
Senator Johnson was also instrumental in getting funding for the Mni Wiconi Water Project that gave the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation safe drinking water and ample supplies.
