PRIA Logo™
119-s-4489119th CongressWALLET

Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act

Sponsored By: Senator Daines, Steve [R-MT]

In Committee

Summary

Authorizes federal construction and funding for the Dry-Redwater Regional Water System to supply municipal, rural, and industrial water to parts of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. The bill would follow a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study, limit the federal share to 75 percent of project costs, and authorize $602.0 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2037.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Federal $602M for regional water

This bill would authorize the Secretary to carry out the Dry-Redwater Regional Water System using a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study. It would authorize $602 million for planning, design, and construction for fiscal years 2027 through 2037. The amount could be adjusted for cost index changes after January 1, 2024 and for market volatility as the Secretary determines. The federal share would be capped at 75% of total project costs unless the Secretary sets a lower share, and federal funds could pay to build or buy pumps, pipes, treatment plants, storage, power lines, and related facilities. Title to the Water System would be held by the local Authority.

Local groups pay water upkeep costs

This bill would bar Federal funds from paying to operate, maintain, or replace the Dry-Redwater Water System. If enacted, the Authority or other non-federal entities would need to pay those ongoing costs. That could lead to higher local water rates or local budget pressures for households served by the system.

Firm-rate power, local upgrade costs

This bill would let the Water System get Pick‑Sloan firm-rate power to run intake, pumping, treatment, reservoirs, tanks, and pipelines up to delivery points if the system is not-for-profit and built under a cooperative agreement. The Authority would have to pay the firm power charge and any non-federal delivery costs. The Water System would also need to arrange and pay for non-federal transmission and for any upgrades needed to deliver power to the system. Those payment and upgrade obligations could be passed on to local water customers.

State water law remains unchanged

This bill would not preempt or change any State water law or a State's authority to manage water resources as in effect on the date of enactment. If enacted, state rules and control over water would continue to apply alongside the federal project.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Daines, Steve [R-MT]

MT • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation