What does Preamble of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This bill aims to authorize the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System in Montana The bill was introduced to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

What does SHORT TITLE. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act.

What does PURPOSE. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This Act aims to ensure a safe and adequate water supply. The Act specifically addresses water supply needs in Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, and Richland Counties in Montana. It also addresses water supply needs in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This section defines terms used in the Act Definitions include Administrator, Authority, and Integrated System The section also defines non-federal transmission and distribution system and Pick-Sloan Program

What does DRY-REDWATER REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY SYSTEM. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This section authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System project. The project must align substantially with the Bureau of Reclamation's feasibility study dated October 2025, which was authorized under the Clean Water for Rural Communities Act. Livestock watering should not be limited to incidental, noncommercial purposes. The Secretary is required to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Authority for planning, design, and construction of the Water System. The Federal share of project costs cannot exceed 75 percent, or a lesser amount determined by the Secretary. Federal funds can be used for various facilities including water pumping, treatment, storage, transmission pipelines, and electrical power infrastructure. Funds can also be used for facilities serving public water systems and for purchasing, improving, or repairing existing facilities. Federal funds cannot be used for the operation, maintenance, or replacement of the Water System. Title to the Water System will be held by the Authority.

What does USE OF POWER FROM PICK-SLOAN PROGRAM BY THE DRY-REDWATER of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This section addresses the use of power from the Pick-Sloan Program by the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System. Congress finds that McCone and Garfield Counties in Montana were designated as impact counties during the Fort Peck Dam construction and were intended to receive impact mitigation benefits under the Pick-Sloan Program. The Administrator is directed to make power available to the Water System to meet its operational requirements, including facilities from the water intake to retail distribution. To be eligible for this power, the Water System must operate on a not-for-profit basis and be constructed under a cooperative agreement with the Secretary. The cost of the power will be set at the firm power rate. The Water System's Authority is responsible for paying the power charge and non-Federal delivery costs. The Water System is responsible for all non-Federal transmission and distribution arrangements, including funding any necessary upgrades.

What does WATER RIGHTS. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This section addresses water rights It does not preempt State water law It does not affect State authority to manage water resources

What does FUNDING. of Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act do?

This section authorizes a total of $602,000,000 for the planning, design, and construction of the Water System. The authorized funding period spans fiscal years 2027 through 2037. The authorized appropriation amount may be adjusted based on fluctuations in development costs after January 1, 2024, using engineering cost indices. The Secretary has the authority to adjust the authorized appropriation to account for unforeseen market volatility and construction cost changes not fully captured by engineering cost indices.

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Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act

Last updated: 5/12/2026 · Introduced: 5/12/2026

Author: Steve Daines (R-MT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes the Secretary to construct the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System in Montana and North Dakota, aligning with a feasibility study and utilizing federal funding up to 75% of project costs.
The bill directs the Administrator to provide power from the Pick-Sloan Program to the Water System to meet operational needs, prioritizing non-profit operations and requiring the Authority to cover associated costs.
The bill authorizes $602 million over ten years (fiscal years 2027-2037) for the Water System's planning, design, and construction, with potential adjustments for cost fluctuations.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8745(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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