Congress·In Committee·S. 4040

Sen. Hoeven Introduces Bill to Provide $1.4 Billion for North Dakota Water Projects

Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026

7 days ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill would authorize over $1.4 billion in federal spending to complete major water supply projects across North Dakota, covering municipal, rural, industrial, and Tribal water systems. The funding targets projects that have been planned for years but lack the money to be finished.
From policy text
“To amend Public Law 89-108 to modify the authorization of appropriations for State and Tribal, municipal, rural, and industrial water supplies, and for other purposes.”
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About $743 million is earmarked for five Tribal water systems on reservations including Spirit Lake, Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock, Turtle Mountain, and Lake Traverse. The largest single Tribal allocation is $275 million for the Three Affiliated Tribes Rural Water System within the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
From policy text
“there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 7(d) $743,000,000, as indexed.”
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The bill authorizes $404 million for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project and $120 million for the Northwest Area Water Supply Biota Water Treatment Plant and Pump Station. Both projects aim to move Missouri River water to areas facing chronic water shortages.
From policy text
“$404,000,000, as indexed, to complete the McClusky Canal and Missouri River North Alternative for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project”
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An additional $50 million goes toward the Southwest Pipeline Project and $63 million for North Dakota rural water districts, including treatment plant expansions and rural distribution expansion to reach more homes and businesses.
From policy text
“$63,000,000, as indexed, for North Dakota rural water districts for water treatment and rural distribution expansion”
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All authorized dollar amounts are indexed to construction cost changes, so the funding can adjust upward if building costs rise before the projects are completed. The bill also allows up to 50% of funding to be transferred between projects if needs shift.
From policy text
“shall be indexed as necessary to allow for ordinary fluctuations of construction costs incurred after the date of enactment of the Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026, as indicated by engineering cost indices applicable for the type of construction involved.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

StateScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones3 actions

Mar 17, 2026Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.

Mar 10, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 2 years of enactment

Final engineering reports due for pipeline and rural water district projects

These reports will determine the exact scope and features needed to finish the Southwest Pipeline and rural water district projects, setting the stage for construction to begin.

Within 2 years of enactment

Final engineering reports due for Tribal water systems

Engineering assessments for the Spirit Lake, Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock, and Turtle Mountain water systems must be completed, determining what's needed to finish each project.

Related News

5 articles

Minot Daily News·12 days ago

Bill reintroduced for increased water funding in ND

Senator John Hoeven reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase the authorization for the Municipal, Rural and Industrial (MR&I) water supply grant program, which is necessary to complete the Northwest Area Water Supply Project and other regional water infrastructure.

Ripon Advance·13 days ago

Hoeven proposes bill to reinforce water supplies in North Dakota, 5 tribal nations

The Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026, S. 4040, would authorize roughly $1.43 billion for state and tribal water supplies. The bill includes $743 million for tribal water projects and $637 million for rural water supply projects in North Dakota.

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Agri-Pulse·7 days ago

Interior announces $889 million for water infrastructure projects

The Department of the Interior is providing $889 million for water projects across six states, including $100 million for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project, a key initiative supported by the Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments.