Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill authorizes a significant federal investment and power allocation to establish a regional water system, ensuring a safe and adequate water supply for several counties in Montana and North Dakota.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System project in Montana and North Dakota, providing federal assistance for its planning, design, and construction, with the federal share not exceeding 75% of the total cost. It also mandates the Western Area Power Administration to make power available for the system's operations at a firm power rate, citing historical impact mitigation for certain counties.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for addressing long-standing water supply needs in rural communities, ensuring public health, supporting agricultural economies, and fulfilling historical commitments to areas impacted by federal dam projects like the Fort Peck Dam.
Opponents contend
While no specific organized opposition is detailed in the bill text, critics might raise concerns about the substantial federal financial commitment, the specific 75% federal cost-share, or the allocation of federal power resources, potentially advocating for greater local financial responsibility.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for an informed reader to evaluate its provisions and implications.
Section 4(a)
Authorization of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System
This provision authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System project, based on a 2025 feasibility study. It explicitly permits the water system to support commercial livestock watering, not limiting it to incidental noncommercial use, thereby broadening its utility to the agricultural sector.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this authorization is vital for addressing critical water infrastructure needs in rural areas, ensuring public health, and providing essential resources for the region's agricultural economy, while also fulfilling federal commitments.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the fundamental authorization of a water system to meet basic needs, though debates may arise regarding its scope or funding mechanisms.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for federal support for critical infrastructure with the desire to ensure the system serves a broad range of community needs, including commercial agriculture, which could potentially increase overall water demand.
Section 4(c)
Federal Cost-Sharing Requirement
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 specifies eligible uses for federal funds, including water pumping, treatment, storage, and transmission facilities, but explicitly excludes funding for operation, maintenance, or replacement. Title to the Water System will be held by the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority.
Section 5
Use of Power from Pick-Sloan Program
This section mandates the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to provide the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System with the necessary power for its operations at the firm power rate. Eligibility requires the Water System to operate on a not-for-profit basis. The Authority is responsible for power charges and any non-Federal transmission costs or upgrades. The provision highlights that this power access is a form of impact mitigation for McCone and Garfield Counties, designated as impact counties during the Fort Peck Dam construction.
Section 7
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $602,000,000 for the planning, design, and construction of the Water System for fiscal years 2027 through 2037. It also includes provisions allowing this authorized amount to be adjusted for ordinary fluctuations in development costs, as indicated by engineering cost indices, and for unforeseen market volatility in construction costs.
Specifies that livestock watering shall not be limited to incidental noncommercial use, effectively allowing the water system to support commercial agricultural operations.
Section 4(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to include specific operational parameters within authorizing language, rather than being evasive.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures the water system fully serves the economic needs of the region, where agriculture, including commercial livestock, is a significant industry. It broadens the utility and impact of the federal investment.
Case against: Critics might argue that expanding the scope to commercial livestock watering could strain resources intended primarily for municipal and rural residential use, or that it represents a subsidy to private businesses.
Estimated impact: Broadens the economic benefit of the water system to the agricultural sector, potentially increasing water demand and ensuring a more comprehensive regional impact.
Explicitly includes McKenzie County, North Dakota, within the project service area and purpose of the Act, despite the bill's title focusing on Montana.
Sections 2(2) and 3(8)(D)
Why it matters:This is likely standard practice for regional projects that cross state lines, where the primary sponsor might be from one state, but the project's scope necessitates broader geographic inclusion. It is not necessarily evasive.
Case for: Proponents argue that regional water systems naturally serve contiguous areas regardless of state lines, and including McKenzie County ensures a comprehensive and efficient solution for the entire Dry-Redwater basin, maximizing the project's benefits.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against the inclusion of a neighboring county in a regional water project if it makes hydrological and logistical sense and has support from the affected state's delegation.
Estimated impact: Expands the reach and benefits of the water system to residents and industries in a portion of North Dakota, ensuring a more integrated regional water solution.