H.R. 7288: Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

The Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act is a bill that would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed water supply project. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary aim of the bill is to assess the feasibility of supplying municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River to a water system serving the Western Dakota region. This study is intended to evaluate the logistics, costs, and overall practicality of the project.

Study Implementation

• The Secretary of the Interior will coordinate with the non-Federal project entity, specifically the Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc., to carry out the study.
• Once the study is completed, the Secretary must develop a feasibility report that includes:
  • A recommendation on whether the project should be authorized for construction.
  • The estimated non-Federal share of construction costs, which will be at least 25% of the total costs.
• The report will be submitted to relevant Senate and House Committees and made publicly available along with associated documents.

Cost-Sharing and Financial Aspects

• A cost-sharing agreement will be established between the Secretary and the non-Federal project entity to ensure that the feasibility study complies with reclamation standards.
• The Federal contribution to the feasibility study costs cannot exceed 50% of the total expenditure for the study.
• The bill authorizes an appropriation of up to $10,000,000 for the Secretary to conduct the feasibility study.

Duration of Authority

The authorization for the provisions in this bill will expire 10 years after its enactment, which sets a clear timeline for the completion of the feasibility study and any necessary actions thereafter.

Consultation Requirements

During the feasibility study, the Secretary must consult with various authorities, including federal, state, tribal, regional, and local officials, to ensure comprehensive input and cooperation in the study’s development.

Relevant Companies

None found