Dry-Redwater Regional Water Act

Full Title:
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act

Summary#

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System. The project would follow a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study (October 2025) and serve parts of eastern Montana and a portion of McKenzie County, North Dakota, west of the Yellowstone River. The Secretary must sign a cooperative agreement with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority to plan, design, and build the system. Federal funding may pay up to 75 percent of planning, design, and construction costs (or a lower share if the Secretary decides so). Federal funds may be used for pumping, treatment, storage, transmission pipelines, pumping stations, access roads, interconnections to public water systems, required electrical transmission and distribution for operation, and other necessary facilities. Federal funds may not be used for operation, maintenance, or replacement. Title to the system will be held by the Authority.

The bill also directs the Western Area Power Administration to make available enough Pick-Sloan program power at the firm power rate to meet the system's operational needs, subject to eligibility (the system must be not-for-profit and built under the cooperative agreement). The Authority is responsible for power charges and for non-federal transmission and delivery arrangements, including funding any needed upgrades. The bill states it does not change State water law or State authority over water resources. It authorizes $602,000,000 in appropriations for planning, design, and construction for fiscal years 2027–2037, with adjustments allowed for cost index changes and market volatility. The Act includes a condition that livestock watering shall not be limited to incidental noncommercial livestock watering.

What it means for you#

  • Residents and businesses in Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, and Richland Counties (Montana) and the portion of McKenzie County (North Dakota) west of the Yellowstone River are in the project service area identified by the bill.
  • If funded and built, the project would provide new regional water infrastructure (intake, treatment, storage, pipelines) and electrical service needed to run pumps and treatment facilities.
  • The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority would own the system and be responsible for paying power charges and arranging non-federal transmission and delivery.
  • State water law and existing State water management authority would remain in effect.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $602,000,000 for planning, design, and construction for fiscal years 2027 through 2037.
  • The Federal share of costs shall not exceed 75 percent of total project cost, or a lesser amount the Secretary may set in a feasibility report.
  • Federal funds may be adjusted for ordinary cost index changes and for unforeseen market volatility as determined by the Secretary.
  • Federal funds may not be used for operation, maintenance, or replacement of the Water System.
  • The Authority is responsible for paying power charges at the firm power rate and funding any non-Federal transmission or distribution upgrades needed to deliver power.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to ensure a safe and adequate municipal, rural, and industrial water supply for specified counties in Montana and part of McKenzie County, North Dakota. Supporters can point to the authorization of federal assistance, specified eligible uses of funds, and access to Pick-Sloan program power to meet operational needs.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.