Bill sets $637 million for state water projects and $743 million for Tribal systems in North Dakota

What does this do?

The bill updates the Dakota Water Resources Act to raise spending limits for drinking water and water supply projects in North Dakota. It does not provide money itself, and each project would still need a separate funding vote. The amounts are indexed, so they can rise with construction cost increases.

Who does it affect?

Residents and water users in North Dakota, especially in rural areas and Tribal nations, would be most affected. Federal agencies that oversee the work and taxpayers who fund it are also affected.

Why does it matter?

Authorized amounts would set the ceiling for what Congress could later fund for these projects. Engineering reports due within two years would define the work needed on the Tribal systems, and a Lake Traverse Reservation study would determine whether a project is workable.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $637 million state and local
• $743 million for Tribal communities
• Indexed to construction costs