ROSEBUD - Officials say a new solid waste transfer station will improve trash collection for residents of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in south-central South Dakota.

The U.S. Agriculture Department provided loans and grants for the transfer station. USDA officials joined tribal officials recently for the station's grand opening.

Elsie Meeks, USDA state director for Rural Development, says the transfer station will enhance the environment and cleanliness of the area.

Officials say a central transfer station located near where most of the area's garbage is generated will allow the tribe to minimize trips to the landfill located in the northeast corner of the reservation. They say it also will ease strain on equipment, minimize dumpster overflow and reduce illegal dumping.

Garbage is hauled from 20 reservation communities to the landfill.

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