Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7331
- 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
- 2026-04-30T08:06:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the practicality of building a water supply project. The project would provide municipal (city), rural (farm and small community), and industrial water to areas served by the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act."
- Definitions:
- Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System: A nonprofit organization set up to manage water projects under federal guidelines, acting as a non-federal partner in a cooperative agreement.
- Reclamation Feasibility Standards: Federal rules (from the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations) that outline criteria for eligibility and requirements for water project studies, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (a part of the Department of the Interior).
- Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees federal water resource programs.
- Feasibility Study:
- The Secretary must conduct the study in partnership with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System via a cooperative agreement.
- The study assesses whether a construction project is viable to deliver water to the specified service area.
- It must follow the reclamation feasibility standards to ensure thorough evaluation of costs, benefits, environmental effects, and engineering needs.
- Cost Sharing: The federal government covers no more than 50% of the study's total costs; the rest comes from non-federal sources like the regional water system.
- Funding: Authorizes up to $10,000,000 in federal funds for the study.
- Timeline: The authority to conduct the study ends 10 years after the Act's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new authority for the Department of the Interior to perform a targeted feasibility study for this specific regional water system. It does not amend or repeal prior laws but builds on existing federal water reclamation frameworks by authorizing funding and a cooperative process for this Midwestern project. Previously, such studies would require separate congressional approval without this dedicated mandate.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (likely through the Bureau of Reclamation) would handle study coordination, consultations, and compliance, potentially increasing workload and federal spending on water infrastructure planning.
- Citizens: Rural and small communities in the four states could gain access to more reliable water supplies if the project advances, addressing shortages for homes, farms, and businesses. However, impacts depend on study outcomes and future funding.
- International Relations: No direct effects, as the project focuses on domestic U.S. water resources along the Missouri River mainstem (a major inland waterway).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation, responsible for leading the study.
- Regional Entity: Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, Inc., as the nonprofit partner providing input and partial funding.
- State and Local Governments: Officials in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, whose communities would benefit from potential water improvements.
- Citizens and Businesses: Residents, farmers, and industries in the service area, who rely on stable water for daily needs and economic activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a clear federal obligation for the study under reclamation laws, ensuring environmental and economic reviews are standardized. It promotes public-private partnerships through cooperative agreements, which are common in federal water projects.
- Constitutional: Involves Congress's powers over interstate commerce and federal spending (Article I, Section 8), as water resources cross state lines and require national coordination.
- Political: Supports infrastructure development in rural Midwest states, potentially boosting bipartisan interest in water security amid climate challenges like droughts. The 10-year sunset clause limits long-term commitment, allowing future Congresses to decide on project construction based on study results.
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
- 2026-04-29: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2026-02-03: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-02-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (3 pages)