H.R. 8006: Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026

The Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026 proposes several modifications to existing legislation related to water resources, specifically focusing on the authorization of appropriations for various water supply projects. Key points of the bill include:

Funding for Water Projects

The bill aims to provide additional funding for specific water supply projects in North Dakota. It modifies existing authorizations under Public Law 89–108 and redesignates certain paragraphs to ensure clarity and proper allocation of funds. Highlights of the funding provisions include:

• $120 million for the Northwest Area Water Supply Biota Water Treatment Plant and Pump Station Project.
• $404 million for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project related to the McClusky Canal and the Missouri River.
• $50 million for the Southwest Pipeline Project, focusing on improvements to water intake and transmission.
• $63 million designated for rural water districts in North Dakota for treatment and distribution expansions.

Transfers and Allocations

Within the proposal, there are provisions that allow for the transfer of authorized amounts among the designated water projects. However, the bill stipulates that no single project can see an increase of more than 50% in its initial authorized amount as a result of these transfers.

Final Engineering Reports

The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete final engineering reports for certain projects within two years of enactment. These reports are meant to clarify the scope and necessary features of the projects to ensure their proper execution and funding.

Support for Tribal Systems

An important aspect of the bill is its focus on water systems for tribal communities. It allocates funds as follows:

• $118 million for the Spirit Lake Rural Water System.
• $275 million for the Three Affiliated Tribes Rural Water System.
• $240 million for the Standing Rock Rural Water System.
• $98 million for the Turtle Mountain Rural Water System.
• $12 million for a feasibility study and potential construction of a municipal, rural, and industrial water system within the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation.

Cost Adjustments

The bill ensures that certain funding amounts are adjusted (indexed) to accommodate ordinary fluctuations in construction costs. This is intended to align funding levels with current economic conditions affecting construction expenses.

Natural Resources Trust Updates

Lastly, the bill includes an amendment to the Natural Resources Trust provisions within the existing law, ensuring updated references that correspond with the new funding structures introduced in the amendments.

Relevant Companies

• UMPQUA HOLDINGS CORPORATION (UMPQ): Could be affected due to involvement in regional water projects and potential collaborations with state and tribal governments.
• SNC-LAVALIN GROUP (SNC): Engineering and construction firms like SNC may see opportunities for projects involving water systems as funded by this bill.