H.R. 9785 — South Dakota Water Feasibility Studies Act, as amended
Executive Summary
H.R. 9785, the 'South Dakota Water Feasibility Studies Act,' directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct three feasibility studies for rural water supply projects in the Missouri River basin, specifically targeting the Western Dakota, Lewis and Clark, and Dakota Mainstem regional systems. The legislation addresses growing municipal, rural, and industrial water demands in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. To mitigate federal financial exposure, the bill caps the federal share of study costs at $10 million (or 50%) per project, mandates a minimum 25% non-federal cost share for future construction, and sunsets the study authorities after seven years.
Arguments For
- Economic & Regional Stability: Secures critical water infrastructure planning for rural and agricultural communities facing supply constraints in the Upper Midwest, supporting long-term economic growth.
- Fiscal Safeguards: Provides political cover against 'pork barrel' accusations by strictly capping federal study costs at $10 million and mandating a 25% local match for any future construction.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Federal Overreach/Spending: Hardline fiscal conservatives may argue this expands federal financial obligations for localized municipal water systems that should be funded by state and local governments.
- Environmental Concerns: Environmental advocates might raise concerns about the ecological impacts of increased water withdrawals from the Missouri River basin and the potential disruption to local habitats.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies for three regional water systems: Western Dakota, Lewis and Clark Expansion, and Dakota Mainstem.
- Caps the federal share of feasibility study costs at $10 million or 50% of the total cost for each respective project.
- Requires the resulting feasibility reports to recommend whether the projects should be authorized for construction and mandates a minimum 25% non-federal cost share for construction.
- Sunsets the authority to conduct these studies 7 years after the date of enactment.
search
Verification Guide
BETA
expand_more
Don't trust AI? Don't worry, neither do I. Verify the claims yourself.
Caps the federal share of feasibility study costs at $10 million.
"shall not exceed $10,000,000; and"
Requires a minimum 25% non-federal share for construction costs.
"25 percent of the total construction costs;"
Sunsets the study authority after 7 years.
"expires on the date that is 7 years"