September 2025

Rural Water National Conference in New Orleans

September 1 I was part of a group of 20 legislators that penned a letter to the people of South Dakota. You can find it here: https://dakotawarcollege.com/guest-column-rhoden-needs-to-clean-up-d-o-c-before-prison-vote/

September 2 Black Hills Energy reached out about Draft 31. We're working on specific language regarding data & the impact energy providers anticipate.

September 2 Google/Alphabet and I had a 40 minute conversation about their plans for the future. Their focus, believe it or not, has been Iowa and Nebraska for the last 15 years. We talked about bringing South Dakota onto their radar. Google is a huge company and a "hyperscaler" in the industry. Their data centers are are presently in the Omaha/Lincoln area. Here's a quick overview of their operations and future plans for that area. https://blog.google/inside-google/infrastructure/our-work-to-build-a-more-sustainable-future-in-nebraska/

September 8, 9 & 10th I travelled to SF, Watertown & RC discussing data centers. I met with legislative leaders, economic development people, energy suppliers and local leaders looking for their input on data center legislation.

September 15-17 I was in New Orleans at the National Rural Water Conference. It was good to be among other leaders in the rural water business. This is easily the most rewarding thing I've been involved in. There is no more basic need than clean, healthy and abundant water. Rural water has brought reliable & good water to millions of homes across the US.

September 23 was the special session Gov Rhoden called. I voted yes to build the new prison. The existing facility was built in the late 1800's and has served it's useful life. District 4 Sheriff's unanimously backed the plan. I'll back the blue 100% of the time.

September 26th I attended the Dakota Mainstem annual meeting. Along with Senator Crabtree and Representative Kull, I gave remarks on the importance of rural water. I signed the incorporation letters for Dakota Mainstem in 2023 and was elected Treasurer at the time. After I won my primary in 2024 I resigned from that position. It's a huge idea SD needs to get behind.