Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7287
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-30T08:06:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 7287: Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of expanding the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. The goal is to increase the system's capacity to deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water to areas in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Feasibility Study Requirement: The Secretary of the Interior must conduct a study, in coordination with the non-Federal project entity (defined as the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Inc., or a nonprofit successor), to assess whether the proposed expansion project is viable.
- Feasibility Report: Upon completing the study, the Secretary must prepare a report that:
- Recommends whether the project should be authorized for construction.
- Determines the non-Federal share of construction costs, which must be at least 25% of total costs, based on an analysis of financial capability to cover construction, operations, maintenance, and replacement expenses.
- Submits the report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Makes the report and related documents publicly available.
- Consultation: The Secretary must consult and cooperate with Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local authorities during the study and report development.
- Cost-Sharing for the Study: The Federal government covers no more than 50% of the study's total costs, with the non-Federal entity contributing the remainder through a cost-sharing or financial assistance agreement.
- Funding Authorization: Up to $10,000,000 is authorized for the study.
- Expiration: The authority to conduct the study ends 10 years after the bill's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This legislation introduces a new requirement for a specific feasibility study on water system expansion, rather than amending existing statutes. It establishes cost-sharing rules (at least 25% non-Federal for construction and up to 50% Federal for the study) and sets a time limit on the Secretary's authority, which does not appear in prior laws governing similar rural water projects.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior would lead the study, potentially increasing its workload and requiring coordination with other Federal entities.
- Citizens: Residents in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota could benefit from expanded water access if the project advances, though no immediate changes occur without further congressional action.
- International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined, as the bill focuses solely on domestic water supply in three U.S. states.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Inc. (and any successor entity), which would partner on the study and share costs.
- State and local governments in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, along with Tribal authorities, due to required consultations.
- Federal agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior.
- Residents and water users in the affected regions who might gain from future system expansion.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill follows standard procedures for authorizing feasibility studies under reclamation laws, with no apparent constitutional issues. It emphasizes cost-sharing to involve non-Federal parties, which could influence future project funding decisions but introduces no new legal precedents or major political shifts beyond supporting regional water infrastructure in the specified states.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (4 pages)