Interior Dept. ordered to study four-state rural water system

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

Congress would authorize up to $10 million for the study. The federal government would cover no more than half the cost, with the remaining share coming from non-federal sources. Authority to conduct the study expires if it is not completed within 10 years of enactment.

S. 3736119th CongressIn markupLatest action Jun 10, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record

Environment & energy

Read the official text

Official title: Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

Introduced: January 29, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Decoded

The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.

S 3736 directs Interior to study a regional water system for rural SD, IA, NE, and MN, with up to $10M authorized and a 10-year deadline.

60-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

S 3736 directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a large regional water supply system that would serve communities in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The system would be managed by a nonprofit called the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. The study does not approve or fund any construction.

Who does it affect?

Residents of rural towns, farms, and businesses in the four-state region who may have limited or aging water infrastructure are the primary people affected. Any future construction would require separate legislation or approvals beyond this bill.

Why does it matter?

The study would determine whether building such a regional water system is practical and affordable before any construction decisions are made. If the study finds the project is not feasible, or if it is never completed, no construction authority exists under this bill.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Up to $10M authorized for study
Federal share capped at 50%
Authority expires after 10 years

AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

IntroducedJan 29, 2026
Senate committeeYou are here · Jun 10, 2026
Senate vote
House
President's desk

Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.

Latest action: June 10, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

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