Sioux Center’s Utilities Manager has been awarded the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System’s highest honor. Murray Hulstein, who has been part of the organization since its beginning and is currently chairman of its board, was presented the Lewis & Clark Trailblazer Award at the 32nd annual membership meeting.
“Murray is a servant leader and a visionary leader,” said Lewis & Clark Vice-Chairman Scott Hain, of Worthington Public Utilities. “Murray knows the critical importance of this project for generations to come and does whatever it takes to get the job done. To that end, for over 30 years he has poured his heart and soul into turning the dream of Lewis & Clark into a reality.”
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water system began in 1990 with a vision to bring high-quality water from aquifers near the Missouri River to 20 member communities and water systems in southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. Lewis & Clark takes a “better-together” regional approach to address water supply with the purpose of improved quality of live and expanded economic development opportunities for its members. The project has received strong support from federal, state, and local officials and is now providing water to 15 of the 20 members. Sioux Center’s connection is anticipated in 2023.
“Water is the most basic service we provide for our customers – it is essential for daily life,” Hulstein said. “This project is all about securing a water source for the future. That’s what Sioux Center does – we don’t look just at today, but we’re looking ahead to the future.”
The Lewis & Clark meter building near the Sioux Center Water Plant will also be dedicated in Hulstein’s honor, recognizing his commitment and contribution to creating the regional water system.
“To say Murray has been an integral part of helping to bring Lewis & Clark to where it is today would be an understatement,” Hain said. “When the history of Lewis & Clark is written and future generations talk about the giants on whose shoulders they now stand, there is no question Murray will be recognized as one of those giants.”
Photo: Murray Hulstein, Sioux Center’s Utilities Manager, accepts the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award, at the organization’s 32nd annual membership meeting.