Interior Dept. to study Lewis and Clark water expansion

What does this do?

This bill tells the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to study whether expanding the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is practical and worthwhile. The study would look at serving more municipal, rural, and industrial water users across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. When the study is done, the Secretary must write a report recommending whether the expansion should be built and how costs should be shared.

Who does it affect?

Residents, businesses, and communities in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota who do not currently have access to the Lewis and Clark system or need more water capacity are most directly affected. The Secretary of the Interior would lead the study alongside Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Inc., consulting with federal, state, tribal, and local authorities.

Why does it matter?

Without this study, there would be no formal federal review of whether the water system can or should be expanded. The study's findings would shape whether construction is ever approved and how costs would be divided between federal and non-federal partners.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $10M federal funds, max 50% of study
• Non-federal partner pays ≥25% of construction
• Study authority expires after 10 years