Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (HR 7331)

Summary

The Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (HR 7331) would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a project to supply municipal, rural, and industrial water to the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System service area in the states of South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Key Provisions:

1. Feasibility Study: The Secretary, in consultation with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, would undertake a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a water supply project for the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System service area.
2. Reclamation Feasibility Standards: The study must comply with the reclamation feasibility standards, which include eligibility criteria and feasibility study requirements.
3. Federal Cost-Share: The federal government would cover up to 50% of the total costs of carrying out the feasibility study.
4. Funding: The bill authorizes $10 million in appropriations for the Secretary to conduct the feasibility study.
5. Expiration: The authority provided by this bill would expire 10 years after the date of enactment.

Impact:

• The feasibility study could determine the viability of a water supply project that would serve municipal, rural, and industrial users in the four-state Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System service area.
• If the project is deemed feasible, it could help address water supply needs and support economic development in the region.
• The federal cost-share would reduce the financial burden on the regional water system and its member communities.

Overall, this bill aims to assess the feasibility of a water infrastructure project that could provide a reliable water supply for communities in the Dakota Mainstem region.