Bill · H.R. 9785· House(119-HR-9785)
South Dakota Water Feasibility Studies Act
- Introduced
- 7/20/2026
- Last activity
- 9/15/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- Sponsored by
- Dusty Johnson
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies for water supply projects in parts of the Missouri River basin. It focuses on three specific initiatives: the Western South Dakota water supply project, the expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, and the Dakota Mainstem water supply project. For these studies, the legislation sets up cost-sharing agreements where the federal share cannot exceed 50 percent of the total costs. It authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of the three study sections. Finally, the authority provided for these studies expires 10 years after the enactment of the Act.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The water supply projects are specifically designed to support rural water needs.
Does this invest in rural communities?+4
The bill facilitates water infrastructure essential for the growth and sustainability of rural areas in the Missouri River basin.
Would farmers be better off under this?+2
Reliable water supply is often critical for agricultural productivity and stability.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
Under Section 103(a)(3), Section 203(a)(3), and Section 303(a)(1), the Secretary of the Interior is required to consult and cooperate with Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local authorities, which ensures that local communities and diverse groups have a voice in the water supply studies.
Under Section 103(a)(2)(C) and Section 203(a)(2)(C), the Secretary must make the completed feasibility reports and associated documents publicly available, which keeps our elected officials accountable and lets the people see how decisions are being made.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Under Section 103(d), Section 203(d), and Section 303(c), the bill authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of the three feasibility study sections, which places a financial burden on taxpayers to fund these government studies.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Farmers+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Business Owners+1Good For Native Americans+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 9/15/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 7/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House