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119-s-3723119th CongressWALLET

Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

Sponsored By: Senator Thune, John [R-SD]

In Committee

Summary

A federal feasibility study to test bringing Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System. The bill would define a nonprofit project entity, set cost-sharing rules, cap federal study funding at $10 million, and require a public feasibility report.

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  • Families and towns: Would produce a formal study of using Missouri River water for municipal, rural, and industrial supply, which could lead to new local water plans.
  • Non-federal project entity: Establishes Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc. as the project sponsor and requires it to sign financial agreements and cover at least 25 percent of construction costs.
  • Federal funding and timeline: Limits the federal share of the feasibility study to 50 percent and to no more than $10 million, requires the Secretary to identify funding sources within 90 days, and ends the authority five years after enactment.
  • Study process and accountability: Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to consult Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local authorities and deliver a publicly released feasibility report with technical and financial determinations and a construction recommendation.

*Would increase federal outlays by up to $10 million for the feasibility study, with the federal study share capped at 50 percent and non-federal construction share set at a minimum of 25 percent.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Western South Dakota water study

If enacted, the Interior Secretary (acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation) would carry out a feasibility study to deliver Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System. The bill would name Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc. as the non‑Federal project partner and require a cost‑sharing or financial assistance agreement. The study would produce a public feasibility report for Congress that states technical and financial feasibility, recommends whether to authorize construction, and sets the non‑Federal construction share (at least 25% of construction costs). The report would be sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and released publicly. Federal funding for the study would be capped at $10,000,000 and at no more than 50% of total study costs; the Secretary would have 90 days to identify funding sources, and the study authority would expire five years after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Thune, John [R-SD]

SD • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

    SD • R

    Sponsored 1/29/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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