HURON, SD – Hutchinson County residents have voted to remain a part of the James River Water Development District, while voters in Hand and Day counties have decided to leave. In Hutchinson County, the proposal to leave was rejected by more than 56 percent of voters Tuesday. Hand County voters approved withdrawing 59 percent to 41 percent, while Day County ratified its measure 61 percent to 39 percent. Some proponents of leaving the district have said they think its mission has changed from developing irrigation to alleviating the impact of flooding on landowners. District manager Darrell Raschke says water districts were created to promote conservation, development and management of water resources.
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