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How the South Dakota Water Feasibility Studies Act Aims to Secure Regional Water Supplies
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Key points
- H.R. 9785 directs federal studies on municipal, rural, and industrial water needs across South Dakota.
- The House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the legislation sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates implementation will cost $30 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers are moving forward with new legislation to examine long-term water resources across South Dakota. Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the proposal because state leaders want to secure future utility stability.
What is HR 9785 South Dakota legislation trying to accomplish?
Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the South Dakota Water Feasibility Studies Act to evaluate municipal, rural, and industrial water supplies across the state. Specifically, the federal measure directs the Department of the Interior to assess infrastructure expanding regional water access in the Missouri River basin.
The Dusty Johnson water bill mandates detailed feasibility reports for federal lawmakers. Also, these studies will outline engineering findings, construction recommendations, and non-federal cost-sharing estimates. In addition, officials must publish all findings for full public review.
How will the Western South Dakota Water Supply Project impact local communities?
The studies will give local utility districts clear data on future water capacity, long-term costs, and development timelines.
Why is a Missouri River basin water study necessary now?
For example, growing regional demand requires comprehensive long-range planning across three key projects. These include the Western South Dakota initiative, the Dakota Mainstem project, and a potential Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expansion to prevent localized water shortages.
- Western South Dakota Water Supply Project: Assesses long-term supplies for western communities.
- Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project: Studies central river basin delivery options.
- Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expansion: Evaluates expanding existing regional system capacity.
What is the fiscal background and legislative timeline for the bill?
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson introduced H.R. 9785 in July 2026. Then, the House Natural Resources Committee approved the measure by unanimous consent on September 15, 2026. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, implementing the legislation will cost $30 million between 2027 and 2031.
However, implementation depends on future congressional appropriations. The budget office also confirmed the bill creates no direct spending or revenue changes. Therefore, federal taxpayers face no immediate automated budget shifts.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: How S. 4040 Boosts North Dakota Water Infrastructure Funding
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