This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Could go either way
While the bill helps rural communities and has support from state leaders, it faces a long process in Congress and needs to secure a large amount of funding.
Key Points
This bill would build a new water system to provide clean and reliable water to several counties in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. It aims to help people in rural areas who need a steady water supply for their homes and businesses.
The federal government would pay for up to 75 percent of the project, which is estimated to cost about $602 million over ten years. The local water authority would own and run the system once it is finished.
The project includes building water treatment plants, pumping stations, and hundreds of miles of pipelines. It also allows the system to use cheaper electricity from federal dams to keep the cost of moving water low for residents.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
May 12, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
May 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
