Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act

Study to expand regional water system

If enacted, the Secretary of the Interior would work with the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Inc. (and any nonprofit successor) to carry out a feasibility study. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 to carry out the study. Federal payments for the study would not exceed 50% of study costs, so non‑Federal partners would provide the rest under a cost‑sharing agreement. The Secretary would consult Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local authorities while doing the study. After the study, the Secretary would publish a feasibility report that recommends whether to authorize construction and sets the non‑Federal construction share, which must be at least 25% and would be based on ability to pay. The study authority would begin on enactment and expire 10 years after enactment.