Interior officials would study two water projects and could study another

The Interior Secretary would study the proposed project, report whether construction should be authorized, and make the findings public. The proposal concerns Missouri River water for towns, rural users, and industry through the Western Dakota Regional Water System. The Secretary would make a study cost agreement with the Western Dakota Regional Water System. Federal payments could cover no more than half the study cost or $10 million, whichever is less. The report would recommend that nonfederal sources pay at least 25% of construction costs if the project is built. Authority for this study would end seven years after the bill becomes law.

The Interior Secretary would study the proposed expansion, report whether construction should be authorized, and make the findings public. The proposal concerns supplying towns, rural users, and industry through a larger Lewis and Clark system in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The Secretary would make a study cost agreement with the Lewis and Clark system. Federal payments could cover no more than half the study cost or $10 million, whichever is less. The report would recommend that nonfederal sources pay at least 25% of construction costs if the expansion is built. Authority for this study would end seven years after the bill becomes law.

The Interior Secretary could study whether a water project for the Dakota Mainstem service area is workable. The proposed project would supply towns, rural users, and industry in the system's service area across South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The Secretary would need a cooperative agreement with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. The study would have to meet federal feasibility rules. Federal payments could cover no more than half the study cost or $10 million, whichever is less. Authority for this study would end seven years after the bill becomes law.