Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7288
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-18T08:06:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed water supply project. The project would draw water from the Missouri River to serve municipal (city), rural (countryside), and industrial needs through the Western Dakota Regional Water System in western South Dakota.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Non-Federal project entity" refers to the Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc., a nonprofit organization.
- "Proposed rural water supply project" describes the initiative to supply water from the Missouri River to the system.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees the Bureau of Reclamation (a federal agency managing water resources).
- Feasibility Study: The Secretary must conduct the study in coordination with the non-Federal project entity to assess if the project is practical. This includes consulting Federal, state, Tribal, regional, and local authorities.
- Feasibility Report: Upon completing the study, the Secretary must prepare a report recommending:
- Whether the project should be authorized for construction.
- The non-Federal share of construction costs, which must be at least 25% of total costs, based on the entity's ability to pay for construction, operations, maintenance, and replacements.
- The report must be submitted to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources, and made publicly available along with study documents.
- Cost-Sharing for the Study: The Secretary must enter a cost-sharing or financial assistance agreement with the non-Federal entity, following standard federal water project guidelines (reclamation feasibility standards). The federal share of study costs is capped at 50%.
- Funding and Timeline: Up to $10 million is authorized for appropriations to fund the study. The authority to conduct the study expires 10 years after the bill's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces new requirements specifically for this water project, authorizing a dedicated feasibility study and report process that did not previously exist for this initiative. It builds on existing federal water resource laws (like those under the Bureau of Reclamation) by mandating cost-sharing standards and a minimum non-Federal contribution, but does not amend broader statutes. If the project advances post-study, it could lead to future authorizations under reclamation laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (via the Bureau of Reclamation) will bear responsibility for the study, potential reporting to Congress, and future oversight if construction is recommended. This could strain resources but promote efficient water infrastructure planning.
- Citizens: Residents in western South Dakota may gain access to a more reliable water supply, addressing shortages for homes, farms, and businesses, potentially improving quality of life and economic opportunities in rural areas.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the project involves domestic U.S. water resources from the Missouri River, though it could indirectly affect downstream water allocations shared with Canada under existing treaties.
- Broader Effects: Successful implementation might encourage similar regional water projects, fostering public-private partnerships while emphasizing financial accountability.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc.: The nonprofit leading the project, responsible for coordination, cost-sharing, and potential operations.
- U.S. Department of the Interior (Secretary and Bureau of Reclamation): Tasked with conducting the study, report, and consultations.
- Local and Regional Communities: Municipalities, rural residents, and industries in western South Dakota who would benefit from improved water access.
- Government Entities: Federal committees in Congress for review; state, Tribal, and local authorities in South Dakota for input on feasibility.
- Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through federal funding for the study and potential future construction costs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The act aligns with federal water reclamation laws by requiring a structured feasibility process, including environmental and economic analyses (implied in the study). It promotes equity through mandatory non-Federal cost-sharing, reducing full federal burden, and ensures transparency via public reporting.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and manage federal lands/water resources (Commerce Clause). Tribal consultations address potential treaty obligations.
- Political: As a regionally focused bill introduced by a South Dakota representative, it highlights bipartisan interest in rural infrastructure but could spark debates on federal spending priorities, water rights allocation, and environmental impacts (e.g., Missouri River ecosystem effects), especially amid climate-driven water scarcity concerns.
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]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-04-09: 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
- Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (4 pages)