Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act

Bill Number: S. 3725
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Water Resources Development
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Last Updated: 2026-04-11T00:22:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the practicality of expanding a regional water system. This expansion would increase the supply of municipal (city), rural, and industrial water through the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, serving parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

Key Provisions

Definitions:
"Non-Federal project entity" refers to the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. (operating as Lewis & Clark Regional Water System) or any nonprofit successor.
"Proposed rural water supply project" describes the planned expansion to boost water capacity and coverage in the three states.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.

Feasibility Study:
The Secretary must collaborate with the non-Federal project entity to assess the project's feasibility.
Upon completion, the Secretary prepares a feasibility 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 financial ability to cover construction, operations, maintenance, and replacement expenses.
The report is submitted to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources, and made publicly available with related study documents.

Consultation Requirements: The Secretary must work with Federal, state, Tribal, regional, and local authorities during the study and report development.

Cost-Sharing for the Study:
A cost-sharing or financial assistance agreement is required between the Secretary and the non-Federal entity, following standard federal guidelines for such studies (known as "reclamation feasibility standards," which ensure thorough evaluation of water projects).
The federal government's share of study costs is capped at 50%.

Funding and Timeline:
Authorizes up to $10,000,000 in federal appropriations for the study.
The authority expires 10 years after the bill's enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new authority for the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a specific feasibility study on the Lewis and Clark system expansion. It does not amend or repeal prior laws but builds on existing federal frameworks for rural water projects under the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. No direct changes to ongoing operations of the Lewis and Clark system are specified.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior would allocate resources for the study, potentially leading to future federal funding or authorization for construction if recommended. This could strain budgets if costs exceed appropriations but promote efficient water infrastructure planning.
Citizens: Rural, municipal, and industrial users in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota could benefit from expanded reliable water access, addressing shortages in underserved areas. However, actual improvements depend on the study's outcome and subsequent funding.
International Relations: No direct impacts, as the project is domestic and focused on U.S. states.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Lewis and Clark Regional Water System: Primary beneficiary, responsible for cost-sharing and potential future operations.
Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and congressional committees overseeing the study and report.
State and Local Governments: Officials in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, who may gain from expanded water infrastructure.
Tribal and Regional Authorities: Involved in consultations, potentially benefiting Native American communities if water access improves.
Local Communities and Industries: Rural residents, cities, and businesses relying on the water system for daily and economic needs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Establishes a structured process for federal involvement in regional water projects, emphasizing cost-sharing to ensure fiscal responsibility and non-Federal commitment. The 25% minimum non-Federal cost share aligns with federal water project laws, promoting equitable burden-sharing.
Constitutional: Supports Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate water resources and general welfare through infrastructure studies, without raising federalism concerns as it involves voluntary state and local cooperation.
Political: Introduced with bipartisan support (Senators Thune and Rounds from Republican-led states, and Klobuchar from a Democratic state), highlighting regional consensus on rural water needs. If enacted, it could set a precedent for similar studies in other areas facing water scarcity, influencing future appropriations debates.

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 (5)

Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]

Recent Actions

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 S379-380)
2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (5 pages)