Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 12, 2026
Bottom line
This bill provides significant federal authorization and funding for a major regional water infrastructure project in Montana and North Dakota, aiming to secure long-term water supply for multiple counties.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System to provide a safe and adequate municipal, rural, and industrial water supply for several counties in Montana and North Dakota. It establishes a federal cost-share of up to 75% for the project's planning, design, and construction, authorizes $602 million in appropriations over fiscal years 2027-2037, and grants the system access to power from the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program at a firm power rate.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for addressing critical water supply needs in rural communities facing challenges with water availability and quality. They emphasize the importance of federal investment in essential infrastructure, particularly given the historical impact on these counties from federal projects like the Fort Peck Dam, which this bill seeks to mitigate through access to Pick-Sloan power. The project ensures a reliable water source for municipal, rural, and industrial uses, fostering economic stability and public health.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the significant federal cost-share, arguing it represents a substantial federal expenditure for a localized project that could set a precedent for other regional water systems. They might also question the long-term financial sustainability of the system if local contributions are insufficient, or the potential environmental impacts of large-scale water projects, although the bill itself does not detail such impacts.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review by an informed reader.
Section 4(a)
Authorization of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System
This provision formally authorizes the creation and implementation of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System. It specifies that the project should largely follow the Bureau of Reclamation's October 2025 feasibility study, with the important clarification that livestock watering will not be restricted to only incidental, noncommercial use.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formal authorization is the critical first step to address long-standing water security issues in these rural areas, leveraging federal expertise and planning. The explicit inclusion of non-incidental livestock watering ensures the system meets the practical needs of the agricultural communities it serves.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the fundamental authorization of a water system, provided the need is demonstrated and planning is sound. Concerns, if any, would likely focus on cost or environmental review processes rather than the authorization itself.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for a comprehensive water system with specific agricultural requirements, ensuring broad utility.
Section 4(c)
Federal Cost-Sharing and Permitted Uses of Funds
This section establishes that the federal government will cover up to 75% of the planning, design, and construction costs for the Water System, with these funds being non-reimbursable. It also details a broad range of eligible uses for these federal funds, including water pumping, treatment, storage facilities, transmission pipelines, and electrical infrastructure, but explicitly excludes funds for ongoing operation, maintenance, or replacement.
Section 5
Access to Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program Power
This provision mandates that the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) make available the necessary power for the Water System's operations, from water intake to delivery points, at the firm power rate. It justifies this by noting that McCone and Garfield Counties were designated as impact counties during the Fort Peck Dam construction under the Pick-Sloan Program. The Authority is responsible for power charges and non-Federal transmission costs and upgrades.
Section 6
Preservation of State Water Law and Authority
This section explicitly states that the Act does not override or alter any existing State water laws or the authority of a State to manage its water resources. This ensures that the federal authorization of the water system operates within the framework of established state-level water governance.
Section 7
Appropriation Authorization and Cost Adjustments
This section authorizes the appropriation of $602,000,000 for the Water System's planning, design, and construction over fiscal years 2027 through 2037. It also includes provisions for adjusting this authorized amount to account for ordinary fluctuations in development costs based on engineering cost indices and for unforeseen market volatility in construction costs.