Johnson Testifies in Support of His Western South Dakota Rural Water Bill

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson's (R-S.D.) bill to conduct a feasibility study on supplying Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS).

"It's hard to overstate the importance of water," said Johnson. "If we want a vibrant and healthy West River, we have to have the Western Dakota Regional Water System project, and I'm proud to support this important step forward."

Click herefor Johnson's remarks.

"Western Dakota Regional Water System has completed five years of foundational work, including demand projections, intake evaluations, and regional system planning. The State of South Dakota has invested more than $12 million, alongside strong local support from our 49 members. The project is ready for the next step: a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study," said Kristin Conzet, Executive Director of WDRWS. "We are grateful to Rep. Johnson and his team for their professionalism and assistance throughout the federal process."

As western South Dakota grows, the demand for water continues to increase. WDRWS seeks to meet that growing demand. The Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act allocates $10 million to the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed rural water supply project that would deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota. The purpose of a feasibility study is to ensure that a water resources project is technically, environmentally, and economically sound.

Click here for bill text.