Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

Bill Number: S. 3723
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Water Resources Development
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T12:33:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The 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. This project would draw water from the Missouri River to provide municipal (city), rural (countryside), and industrial water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System in western South Dakota, addressing potential water needs in the region.

Key Provisions

Feasibility Study Requirement: The Secretary of the Interior must work with the Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc. (a nonprofit organization) to evaluate whether the proposed project is practical and viable. This includes assessing engineering, environmental, economic, and other factors.
Feasibility Report: Following the study, the Secretary must prepare a report recommending:
Whether the project should be approved for construction.
The non-federal (local or private) share of construction costs, which must be at least 25% of total costs, based on the area's ability to pay for building and ongoing operations, maintenance, and repairs.
Submission and Transparency: The report must be sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources, and made publicly available online with related study documents.
Consultation Process: The Secretary must collaborate with federal, state, Tribal, regional, and local government bodies during the study.
Cost-Sharing for the Study: The Secretary must agree with the nonprofit on sharing study costs, following standard Bureau of Reclamation guidelines (the federal agency handling water projects in the western U.S.). The federal government covers no more than 50% of these costs.
Funding and Timeline: Up to $10 million is authorized for the study. The authority to conduct it ends 10 years after the bill becomes law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new mandate for a specific feasibility study, without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing federal water project frameworks under the Bureau of Reclamation but creates a targeted process for this South Dakota initiative, including defined cost-sharing rules and a time limit for completion.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (via the Bureau of Reclamation) will invest time and up to $10 million in the study, potentially leading to future construction oversight if the project advances. Congressional committees will review findings, influencing federal water policy priorities.
Citizens: Residents in western South Dakota, particularly in rural and underserved areas, could gain access to a more reliable water supply from the Missouri River, improving water quality and availability for homes, farms, and businesses. If approved, it might reduce reliance on local groundwater sources.
International Relations: No direct impacts, as the project is domestic and focused on U.S. river resources.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc.: The nonprofit leading the project, responsible for at least 50% of study costs and a minimum 25% of any future construction costs.
Federal Government: Primarily the Secretary of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation, providing expertise, partial funding, and recommendations.
State and Local Entities: South Dakota state agencies, local governments, and communities in western South Dakota benefiting from potential water infrastructure.
Tribal and Regional Groups: Native American Tribes and regional authorities consulted during the study, ensuring their water rights and interests are considered.
Congress: Senate and House committees overseeing the report and potential future authorizations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill aligns with federal reclamation laws by requiring adherence to established feasibility standards, ensuring environmental reviews and cost analyses are thorough. It emphasizes non-federal cost contributions to promote fiscal responsibility.
Constitutional: No major challenges; it falls under Congress's authority to manage federal lands, waters, and interstate commerce (Missouri River), while respecting state and Tribal sovereignty through required consultations.
Political: Sponsored by South Dakota's U.S. Senators, it highlights regional priorities for water security in a drought-prone area. If the study recommends authorization, it could lead to broader debates on federal funding for rural infrastructure, potentially setting precedents for similar projects elsewhere. The 10-year expiration adds urgency but limits long-term commitment.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

Recent Actions

2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
2026-03-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S379)
2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (4 pages)