Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
Sponsored By: Senator Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced
Summary
Directs the Interior Department to study whether delivering Missouri River water to western South Dakota is feasible. The study would recommend whether to authorize construction and would set required cost shares for federal and non‑Federal partners.
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- Rural towns and municipalities could gain a new source of municipal, rural, and industrial water if the study recommends construction.
- Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc. would partner on the study and must cover at least 25% of construction costs based on its ability to pay.
- The Interior would run the study in coordination with the non‑Federal entity, could cover up to 50% of total project costs, and the bill would authorize $10.0 million to carry out the study.
*Would authorize $10.0 million for the feasibility study and caps the federal construction share at 50% while requiring a minimum 25% non‑Federal construction share.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Water study for Western South Dakota
If enacted, the Secretary of the Interior would study bringing Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System with the local nonprofit partner. The bill would authorize up to $10,000,000 to carry out the study (an authorization, not an immediate appropriation). The federal share of study costs would not exceed 50 percent, and the Secretary would require a cost-sharing or financial assistance agreement with the non-Federal partner. If the study recommends construction, the Secretary would recommend the project's non-Federal construction share, which must be at least 25 percent and be based on an analysis of the partner's ability to pay. The Secretary would send the feasibility report to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee and would make the report and study documents public. The authority would expire 10 years after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Thune, John [R-SD]
SD • R
Cosponsors
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 1/29/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov