Thune, Rounds Legislation to Advance Key South Dakota Water Projects Approved by Committee
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today applauded the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for passing their bills that would authorize feasibility studies for the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) and the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, respectively. Thune’s Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (S. 3723) and Rounds’ Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (S. 3736) now head to the full Senate.
“These bills are aimed at addressing the rapidly growing water needs in rural communities across South Dakota,” said Thune. “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our bills and look forward to their consideration by the full Senate. I’m proud to work with Senator Rounds on this critical effort.”
“Rural water projects are crucial for the success of South Dakota, both in the near future and for the next generation,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has passed our bills to authorize feasibility studies for the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System and the Western Dakota Regional Water System. I thank Senator Thune for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working together to get these bills through the full Senate.”
“The advancement of S. 3723 to Senate markup is an encouraging step forward for the future of water security in western South Dakota,” said Kristin Conzet, executive director of WDRWS. “WDRWS is grateful for the leadership and diligent work of Senators Thune and Rounds, whose commitment has been instrumental in advancing our legislation. Reaching this stage reflects growing recognition of the need for a reliable, long-term water supply to support our communities, economy, agriculture, and national defense interests.”
“On behalf of the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System and our 57 member water systems, I want to thank Senators Rounds and Thune for their leadership and continued support of this important authorization,” said Ryan Johnson, president of the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. “Advancing S. 3736 through the markup process is a significant milestone that moves Dakota Mainstem one step closer to the feasibility study phase with Bureau of Reclamation participation. We are grateful for the senators’ commitment to strengthening water infrastructure and helping ensure a reliable water future for the communities, businesses, and residents we serve.”
###
I am grateful that we have leadership in Washington and forward-thinking legislators like Helene Duhamel who recognize the importance of planning for future growth and water demand. It’s one thing to oppose new development; it’s another to provide a credible plan for meeting the water needs of future generations. Leadership is about solving problems, not simply preventing others from trying.
Why are still supporting the stupidity of the trump administration? He’s totally off the rails and congress and republicans are still kissing his fat ass.
The Missouri River doesn’t care who occupies the White House, and neither will South Dakotans when future water demands exceed supply. While some people are busy posting anti-Trump rants, others are actually working on solutions. I’ll take solutions over outrage every time.
Drumpf is creating more problems than he is fixing. Biden did a lot of good for SD and there guys want to take credit for it.
OMG does nobody see the dangers of WATER!?
It is highly erosive. What about property rights? Do you really want that stuff running through your property? Have you not seen the Grand Canyon? Water did that. The evil corporations are behind water projects. They want it to cool their data centers, for one thing.
True conservatives are aware of this sinister conspiracy
Loved this thanks for the laugh.
How ironic that this is announced on the day that Trump and Hegseth ordered the destruction of water resources for 30 thousand people in Iran.
That’s a war crime, and the Republicans have been full-on enablers of a world class war criminal. You you you.
Pork in Senate bills refers to government spending allocated to localized projects that primarily benefit a specific politician’s constituents, often in exchange for political support. Tell e how this is not pork for SD.
Calling a feasibility study “pork” misses the point. The legislation does not build a project. It authorizes an independent federal review to determine whether western South Dakota’s long term water needs warrant further action.
Is the state of South Dakota unable to launch and pay for its own feasibility study to determine whether western state projects warrant further action? Why must we rely on the broke Feds to fund something South Dakota can fund? it is still pork if it relies on the Feds to pay for something South Dakota can pay for.
South Dakota could fund its own study, but it still must be administered by the Bureau of Reclamation.
It is necessary to have the BOR oversee the project, federal law requires a Bureau feasibility study authorized by Congress. The Bureau cannot conduct one on its own.
This is not about whether South Dakota can afford a study. It is about following the process required to engage the federal agency responsible for western water infrastructure.
No one has done more for water in this state than Joe Biden. His infrastructure bill did amazing things for places like Aberdeen. Id like to see that sort of investment in communities and not fighting foreign wars.
Correct.