H.R. 8745: Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act

The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act aims to provide a reliable and safe municipal, rural, and industrial water supply for Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, and Richland Counties in Montana, as well as McKenzie County in North Dakota. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to ensure sufficient water access for various needs in specified areas, addressing the demand for water in both rural and urban settings.

Definitions

Key terms in the bill include:

• Administrator: Refers to the head of the Western Area Power Administration.
• Authority: The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority, a nonprofit entity established to manage the water system.
• Integrated System: A network of power transmission facilities connected to the water system.
• Water System: The infrastructure that includes areas served by the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority, particularly in certain counties in Montana and North Dakota.

Water Authority System

The bill authorizes the construction and operation of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System as per a feasibility study conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with forming a cooperative agreement with the Authority to facilitate this project.

Federal funding may cover up to 75% of the planning, design, and construction costs, while the Authority will hold title to the water system. The Federal funds can be used for various components such as:

• Water treatment, storage, and pumping facilities
• Transmission pipelines
• Pumping stations
• Support facilities for maintenance and access

Use of Power

The act includes provisions for the Water System to access power necessary for its operation through the Pick-Sloan Program. This program was set up to provide support to communities affected by the construction of the Fort Peck Dam. The Water Authority must operate on a nonprofit basis to qualify for this power.

Water Rights

The bill clarifies that it does not override state water laws or state authority in managing their water resources. This ensures that existing local laws regarding water use and rights remain in effect.

Funding Provisions

The bill proposes to allocate $602 million for the planning, design, and construction of the Water System between fiscal years 2027 and 2037, allowing for adjustments based on construction costs and inflation. The Secretary of the Interior can modify funding amounts to accommodate changes in project expenses.

Conclusion

The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act represents a significant investment in water infrastructure aimed at improving access to water resources for multiple counties in Montana and North Dakota.

Relevant Companies

• WRK (WestRock Company) - A paper and packaging company that may be indirectly influenced by changes in local infrastructure and community developments related to water access.
• AVY (Avery Dennison Corporation) - Another packaging company that may experience operational impacts depending on water availability and infrastructure expansion.