A bill approving a future use water permit application by the Western Dakota Regional Water System is approved by a House Committee.
The permit allows the use of the Missouri River for water on the Western half of the state.
Lawmakers were asked to look into the future.
Representatives from Western Dakota Regional Water System say this is a project that will take decades but without passage of SJR 501 – that process can’t begin.
Cory Chorne is the Program Manager. He said the bill is important because it prepares the state for its needs.
“Evaluate what the local water supplies look like, and how vulnerable are they to drought conditions," Chorne said. "We need to understand what the viability of those local water supplies, and if it’s showing that they are unable to meet the current needs or projected future needs as the area continues to grow that we would need a water source to supply, and meet the long-term water supply needs of Western South Dakota."
Chorne also said a Mines study shows that when under drought conditions – the Western portion of South Dakota already has less water than needed.
Rapid City Sen. Helene Duhamel is the bill’s prime sponsor. She said passage ensures South Dakota gets a piece of the river.
“We do believe politically that other states are eyeing the Missouri River water, and it’s not an asset we hold. It goes downstream," Duhamel said. "So, let’s exercise our right to our opportunity to have water in every corner of our state. [This bill] is a really important first step. And then we’re going to go the Bureau of Reclamation and get on that federal list so we can keep moving forward with this project."
Though some questioned if South Dakota has the right to use water from the Missouri River – state officials said they believe there is a constitutional right to the parts of the river in South Dakota.
The bill passes the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee 11-2 and now heads to the House floor.
