The state Water Commission has hired Garland Erbele of Pierre, South Dakota as the new state engineer.
Erbele is a native of Lehr, North Dakota. He worked for the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources for 35 years, and from 2003 to 2013 served as the agency’s chief engineer for the Water Rights Program. Since 2013, he has worked for Wenck Associates, an engineering and environmental consulting company.
Erbele replaces Todd Sando, who announced his retirement in March.
The state Water Commission interviewed 5 candidates. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring -- a Water Commission member -- says all 5 were good candidates.
"Garland brought a great deal and a breadth of knowledge and background," Goehring said. "He did his homework -- he knos a lot about North Dakota's water projects. And he has a great deal of people skills."
Goehring says Erberle can manage people, and can work with local governments.
"He'll serve our state well," Goehring said.
Erbele begins his duties in May. Sando's retirement takes effect in July.