S. 3725: To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a project to supply municipal, rural, and industrial water to expand the capacity and reach of the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. (doing business as “Lewis & Clark Regional Water System”), in the States of Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

This bill is titled the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act. It primarily focuses on addressing water supply issues by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to assess the feasibility of a project aimed at expanding the capacity and reach of the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, which operates in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

Key Components of the Bill

• Feasibility Study: The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with coordinating a feasibility study with the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. This study will determine the viability of a new project to supply municipal, rural, and industrial water.
• Feasibility Report: Upon completion of the study, the Secretary will create a feasibility report that includes recommendations on whether the project should proceed to construction. This report will also outline the financial contribution required from non-federal entities, which must cover at least 25% of the total construction costs.
• Collaboration: The Secretary will need to collaborate with federal, state, tribal, and local authorities to gather input and share information during the study process.
• Cost-Share Agreement: The bill mandates that a cost-sharing agreement must be established between the Secretary and the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System for financing the feasibility study. The federal government will cover no more than 50% of the study costs.
• Funding Authorization: The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 to fund the feasibility study.
• Time Limit: The authority to carry out the activities outlined in the bill will expire 10 years after its enactment.

Overall, this legislation aims to explore the potential for expanding water services in a specific region through a detailed assessment, involving financial and operational recommendations, ensuring consultation with various stakeholders.

Relevant Companies

None found