S. 4489: Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act

The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act aims to provide a reliable and safe water supply for municipalities, rural areas, and industries in specific counties of Montana and North Dakota. The primary provisions of the bill include:

Purpose

The bill is designed to ensure a safe and adequate water supply for:

• Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, and Richland Counties in Montana
• McKenzie County in North Dakota

Establishment of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System

The bill authorizes the creation of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System, which will operate in accordance with a feasibility study conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation. This authority will be responsible for the management and distribution of water resources in the specified areas.

Cooperative Agreement

The Secretary of the Interior is required to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority. This agreement will facilitate federal assistance for planning, designing, and constructing the new water system.

Funding and Cost-Sharing

The federal government will contribute up to 75% of the costs for planning, designing, and constructing the water system. The remaining financing must come from state and local sources. The federal funds can be used for various infrastructure projects related to water supply.

Water System Components

Permitted uses of federal funds will include the construction of:

• Water treatment, pumping, and storage facilities
• Transmission pipelines and stations
• Maintenance structures and access roads
• Facilities necessary for operational needs related to the water distribution system

However, federal funds cannot be used for the ongoing operation or maintenance of the system after its construction.

Power Provision

The bill allows the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority to obtain power from various federal programs to support the operation of the water authority system. The authority will bear the costs associated with this power usage.

Water Rights and State Law

The legislation clarifies that it does not change or interfere with existing state water laws or the authority of states to manage their water resources.

Funding Authorization

A total of $602,000,000 is authorized for appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2037 for the planning, design, and construction of the water system. Adjustments to this funding amount may be made based on changes in construction costs over time.

Relevant Companies

• PCG (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) – May be involved in the electricity distribution aspect of the project.
• EXC (Exelon Corporation) – Could be involved in providing energy solutions as the water authority will need power for its operations.