Bills · HR 7288
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7288Rural conditions and developmentEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, research
Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
INTRO JAN 30· LAST ACTION APR 16
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
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READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenReliable access to water is crucial for communities, agriculture, and businesses to thrive. Western South Dakota, like many regions, may face challenges with water availability due to factors like population growth, drought, or aging infrastructure. This bill matters because it initiates a serious, federally-backed effort to assess a major potential solution to these challenges: bringing water from the Missouri River.
If this bill becomes law and the study proceeds, it could lay the groundwork for a significant infrastructure project that ensures long-term water security for the region. If it doesn't become law, the region might have to find other ways to assess and address its water needs, potentially delaying or complicating efforts to secure a stable water supply for its residents and economy.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a project to supply water from the Missouri River to the Western Dakota Regional Water System.
This initiates the official process to evaluate a major water infrastructure project for Western South Dakota.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the development and public release of a feasibility report that includes recommendations on project construction and non-Federal cost-sharing.
This report will provide critical information to Congress and the public, guiding future decisions on whether to authorize and fund the water project.
PROVISION 03
Establishes that the Federal share of the feasibility study costs shall not exceed 50 percent, requiring a cost-sharing agreement with the local entity.
This ensures that local stakeholders contribute to the study, demonstrating their commitment and shared interest in the potential project.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for carrying out the feasibility study.
This provides the necessary funding to conduct the detailed analysis and reporting required by the bill.
PROVISION 05
Terminates the authority to conduct the study 10 years after the date of enactment of the Act.
This sets a timeframe for completing the study, preventing indefinite delays and ensuring timely progress.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· South Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
39
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSAPR 16
Subcommittee Hearings Held
APR 9
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
APR 9
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
JAN 30
Introduced in House
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7288
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 30, 2026
Last actionApr 16, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 30, 2026
House BillHR 7288Rural conditions and developmentEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, research
Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act
INTRODUCED JAN 30, 2026· LAST ACTION APR 16, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
