Wall, South Dakota Uses $2 Million REED Loan to Improve Street and Sewer Infrastructure

The City of Wall, South Dakota recently completed a $4 million project to update the road, sidewalks, and sewer along six blocks of 4th Avenue. Funding for the project came from the city budget, a Department of Transportation grant, and a loan from the Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) Fund. These project improvements will make it welcoming for tourists to visit Wall – and the famous Wall Drug Store – while also providing easier access for residents and the local farming community. 

“Whether you are driving a car, an RV, a truck, or a Tesla, you will have a good first impression when you visit Wall and you won’t have to dodge any potholes,” says Mary Williams, Mayor of Wall.

The results of this project will benefit Wall for decades while supporting the local economy. Learn why these infrastructure improvements were so valuable and why the project needed to be done now.    

The Improvements Replaced 50-Year-Old Infrastructure

Even the best-laid asphalt roads and well-installed sewers have a limited lifespan, and the City of Wall noticed that the stretch of road on 4th Avenue was starting to wear out. The 50-year-old road was difficult to drive on because of potholes and cracks, while the aging sewer system would potentially need costly repairs in the future.

Fourth Avenue is significant because so many visitors drive on it. It is a common road for tourists who take exit 109 on I-90. Even though Wall has a population of 600, it receives more than 20,000 visitors per day during the peak summer months from May through September. The road needs to accommodate a much larger flow of traffic to keep up with tourists.

There is also a prominent agricultural community that relies on Wall for grain transport and supplies. Fourth Avenue needed to support large truck traffic as grain farmers haul through town to Dakota Mill & Grain.

“Tourism is extremely important, but what helps us year-round is the agricultural community,” says Mayor Williams.

Even keeping the Wall Drug Store stocked requires heavy truck traffic. Everything that businesses sell in town comes in on a truck. 

The REED Fund Made This Project Possible

The City Council in Wall knew 4th Avenue needed significant infrastructure improvements more than three years ago. It applied for a DOT grant and received $600,000 to support the project. However, the costs were still too high. The city knew that it needed to improve the road to maintain its tourism and agriculture industries but lacked the budget. The DOT grant also had a limited timeline for use, and the funds were about to expire. This is where the REED Fund came in.

“The REED fund was instrumental in helping us handle the project,” says Mayor Williams. “REED was phenomenally helpful in the process to secure these dollars and to make it financially possible to take this project on.”  

With the DOT grant and REED loan, the city council was able to fund the rest of the project and start work on the infrastructure improvements.  

“As the new CEO of West River Electric, I see a lot of value in REED,” says Robert Raker.  Raker’s predecessor, Dick Johnson, supported by a forward-thinking board of directors, joined REED because they saw the value it provided. “I'm glad that we are part of REED especially when it helps projects like the 4th Avenue improvements become a reality. " 

Residents Can Also Enjoy the Infrastructure Upgrades 

The road improvement project creates a good first impression for anyone who visits Wall. The community feels more inviting and the solid roads encourage tourists to explore other streets and stores. Mayor Williams is particularly proud of the new sidewalks on both sides of the street. These make it safe for those who seek a healthy lifestyle by walking on a daily basis.

These infrastructure improvements not only make Wall more inviting for tourists but also enhance the quality of life for the people who live and work here. “As the headquarters for both West River Electric and Golden West, Wall serves as a central hub for two cooperatives that are deeply committed to the community,” says Raker. “Whether it’s families taking a stroll, trucks transporting goods, or employees commuting to their offices, this project, makes Wall a better place for generations to come.”

Wall also recently paved a new parking lot and installed Tesla charging stations, which further increases the town's accessibility for drivers of all vehicles.

“Wall is an amazing place,” says Mayor Williams. “Our community takes pride in itself. The residents keep their yards beautiful so it’s always inviting. It’s also a great destination because of the Wall Drug store, which employs more than 200 people in the summer and brings millions of tourists here each year.”

It’s a great place to do business because of its SD-Certified Light Industrial Park, extended airport runway, accessibility to Interstate 90, and “Open for Business” attitude. Wall is also a great place to live with two new housing developments, a great school, and amazing outdoor amenities like the Badlands National Park, National Grasslands, Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, biking, hunting, and fishing galore! 

Learn More About Other REED Fund Projects

The REED Fund has issued $133 million in loans in its nearly 30 years of operation. It supports 27 electric cooperatives across South Dakota and Minnesota, making a difference in communities of all sizes. Read about other projects made possible by REED and their impact. From new go-kart tracks to improved medical facilities, REED supports economic development and community growth in the region.