This Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out feasibility studies for three proposed rural water supply efforts in parts of the Missouri River basin. Title I requires a study, with the Western Dakota Regional Water System as the non-Federal partner, to evaluate a project to supply municipal, rural, and industrial water. Title II requires a study, with the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System (and any nonprofit successor) as the non‑Federal partner, to evaluate expanding that system in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Title III allows the Secretary, in consultation with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, to undertake a study of a Dakota Mainstem project serving parts of South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Studies must follow the applicable "reclamation feasibility standards" and include consultation with Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local authorities. Feasibility reports must state whether the Secretary recommends authorization for construction and (for Titles I and II) recommend an appropriate non‑Federal share of construction costs of at least 25 percent, based on an analysis of financial capability to pay construction and operations, maintenance, and replacement costs. Reports must be submitted to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and made public.
If you live in the service areas named in the Act, federal agencies would study whether new or expanded water systems could supply municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River. The studies could lead to recommendations for building projects that may affect water service, regional infrastructure, or local planning. The Secretary will work with regional nonprofit water systems and consult State and Tribal authorities during the studies.
The Act authorizes $10,000,000 for each title to carry out the respective feasibility study (three authorizations of $10,000,000 each). The Federal share of study costs may not exceed 50 percent. For Titles I and II, the report must recommend a non‑Federal construction share of at least 25 percent if construction is recommended. The authority to carry out each study expires 10 years after enactment.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.