Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3736
- 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 "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. This project would provide municipal (city), rural (countryside), and industrial water to the service area of the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, covering parts of 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" refers to a nonprofit organization set up to manage water projects under federal guidelines, acting as a non-federal partner.
- "Reclamation feasibility standards" means the federal rules (found in part 404 of title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations) that outline eligibility and study requirements for water reclamation projects.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees federal land and water resources.
- Feasibility Study:
- The Secretary must conduct a study, in partnership with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System through a cooperative agreement, to assess if a water supply project is feasible.
- The study must follow the reclamation feasibility standards to ensure it meets federal criteria for such projects.
- Cost Sharing: The federal government will cover no more than 50% of the study's total costs.
- Funding: Up to $10,000,000 is authorized for appropriation to the Secretary to complete the study.
- Time Limit: The authority to conduct the study ends 10 years after the act's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not amend or repeal any existing laws. It introduces a new authorization for a specific feasibility study under the Bureau of Reclamation's framework, building on established federal water project guidelines without altering them.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (specifically the Bureau of Reclamation) will need to allocate resources for the study, potentially leading to future project oversight if deemed feasible. This could involve coordination with state agencies in the four affected states.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Residents in rural, municipal, and industrial areas of the service region could benefit from improved water access if the project advances, addressing potential shortages in these Midwestern states.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the project is domestic and focused on U.S. states bordering the Missouri River system.
- Broader Effects: If the study results in project approval, it could enhance water security in the region, but it remains exploratory at this stage with no guaranteed construction.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: The Secretary of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation, responsible for leading the study.
- Non-Federal Entity: The Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, Inc., which will collaborate on the study and potentially manage any future project.
- State and Local Governments: Officials and water authorities in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, who serve the project's target area.
- Communities and Users: Municipalities, rural residents, farmers, and industrial operations in the service area, who could gain reliable water supplies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill adheres to existing federal reclamation laws by requiring compliance with standardized feasibility criteria, ensuring the study is rigorous and eligible for future federal funding if viable. It limits federal financial exposure through cost-sharing and a fixed authorization amount.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it falls under Congress's authority to manage federal lands and interstate resources via the Commerce Clause, without infringing on state rights.
- Political: Introduced by Senators from South Dakota, the bill reflects regional priorities for water infrastructure in the Midwest. Its 10-year sunset clause provides a defined timeline, potentially encouraging timely action without long-term commitments. As a feasibility-focused measure, it avoids controversy over immediate spending or environmental impacts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
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.
- 2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (3 pages)