Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026

This bill, titled the Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026 , significantly modifies Public Law 89-108 to authorize substantial new appropriations for water supply projects across North Dakota. Its core purpose is to ensure the completion of critical municipal, rural, industrial, and Tribal water infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to reliable and safe water resources throughout the state. The legislation authorizes over $637 million for specific non-Tribal water projects. This includes $120 million for the Northwest Area Water Supply Biota Water Treatment Plant , $404 million for the McClusky Canal and Missouri River North Alternative for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project, and $50 million for the Southwest Pipeline Project to upgrade infrastructure and expand rural distribution. Additionally, $63 million is allocated to North Dakota rural water districts for treatment and distribution expansion, covering projects like the South Central Regional Water District and the Northeast North Dakota Long-Term Water Supply Project. The bill allows for transfers of funds between these projects, with a limit of a 50% increase for any single project, and authorizes funds for necessary final engineering reports. Furthermore, the bill authorizes an additional $743 million for several Tribal rural water systems . This includes dedicated funding for the Spirit Lake, Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock, and Turtle Mountain Rural Water Systems. It also provides $12 million for a feasibility study and initial construction for the Lake Traverse Rural Water System, contingent on a determination of technical and financial feasibility. Funds are also authorized for final engineering reports for these Tribal systems. Finally, the bill increases the authorization for the Natural Resources Trust to $75 million and updates the indexing mechanisms for various authorized amounts. This ensures that the newly authorized funds, as well as existing authorizations, are adjusted for ordinary fluctuations in construction costs, thereby maintaining the purchasing power of the appropriations over time.