S. 637 would authorize the construction of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System in the State of Montana and a portion of McKenzie County, North Dakota, for other purposes.
Detailed Summary
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative agreement to provide federal assistance for the planning, design, and construction of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System for specified counties in Montana and North Dakota.
Lists agreement requirements. Limits the federal share of planning, design, and construction of the System to 75% of the total cost. Delineates the components of System facilities for which federal funds may be expended and the System's service area. Limits the obligation of funds for construction. Provides that any cost relating to the System's operation, maintenance, or replacement shall not be a federal responsibility and shall be paid by the System.
Directs the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration to make available to the System a quantity of power required to meet the System's pumping and incidental operation requirements from the water intake facilities and through the water treatment facilities and all first water distribution pumping facilities. Makes the System eligible to receive power only if it operates on a nonprofit basis and is constructed pursuant to the agreement.
Directs the Authority to develop a water conservation plan containing a description of water conservation objectives and measures and a schedule for carrying out such measures. Requires the plan to be designed to ensure that users of water provided by the System will use the best practical technology and management techniques to conserve water.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 7/23/2009: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee on Water and Power. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Tod Kasten
May 5, 2009, 8:53am (report abuse)This project is in a rural area that has people stuggling to find adequate supply of good quality water. A couple of the communities struggle to have good quality and quantity of affordable water. The area is primarily an agricultural area that has had little ecomomic diversity and struggles with this to maintain community services and jobs. THis project will help with providing an economic opportunity for the communities involved. It will lay a strong water infrastructure to allow for this opportunity. The health of the communities and the surrounding farms and ranches will greatly improve. Good quality water is key to good health and economic opportunity. This is a much needed project for this area.
Marco M. Unruh
May 5, 2009, 11:47pm (report abuse)I stand in favor of S.637. It would have a positive effect on a significant portion of Eastern Montana and would be a huge step in improving water conditions that we all should be able to expect as citizens. Furthermore, it addresses the need for more jobs and economic growth in the region. It is a worthwhile and much needed project.
Roger Meyer
May 6, 2009, 11:47am (report abuse)This Project is a much needed, long time coming, benefit to Eastern Montana. This is a very rural area and the issue of quality water has been ignored for far too long. The benefits of this Project are very obvious; Health and Econony. It is time that people in this area have access to decent water. I hope that the folks that represent these people in Washington can move quickly to Authorization of this Project with discussion of funding along the way. Authorization is just the start. We will require funds soon if these people are to see any benefits of Authorization.