By Scout Nelson
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has approved legislation aimed at expanding water supply funding for North Dakota. The measure now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
The legislation, introduced by Senator John Hoeven, seeks to amend the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 and provide additional support for reliable and drought-resistant water systems throughout North Dakota. The proposal also helps fulfill federal commitments made to the state and tribal nations following the construction of the Garrison Dam and Oahe Dam.
A key part of the bill increases funding authorizations under the Municipal, Rural, and Industrial (MR&I) water supply grant program. This program supports water infrastructure projects serving communities and tribal nations across North Dakota. State officials have reached the existing funding authorization limit, making additional funding necessary for future project development.
The legislation would help advance major projects, including the Northwest Area Water Supply Project and the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project. These projects are designed to strengthen water reliability and improve access to dependable water resources for communities throughout the state.
Another important provision ensures that biota water treatment costs are fully recognized as a federal responsibility. While previous legislation authorized funding for these activities, no spending limit was established. As a result, resources intended for state water projects have been used to address federal obligations under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
The bill is also part of broader efforts to secure funding for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project. Supporters say the project uses existing federal infrastructure, reducing costs for taxpayers while improving long-term water security.
“I appreciate my fellow members of the Senate Energy Committee for working with me to approve this legislation once again, as we did in the 118th Congress. By securing committee approval with bipartisan support, we are putting this bill in a strong position for passage. That’s key, as North Dakota has hit its funding cap for the MR&I grant program, constraining our state’s ability to advance needed water supply projects like ENDAWS. Our legislation will reauthorize and expand the DWRA funding, giving North Dakota the resources it needs to build more reliable, drought-resistant water supplies for communities across our state,” said Senator Hoeven.
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Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Weather