South Dakota Legislature Approves SCR 607 Supporting Federal Authorization of Major Rural Water Projects

Pierre, SD — The South Dakota Legislature has completed final action on Senate Concurrent Resolution 607 (SCR 607), expressing formal support for congressional authorization and federal participation in major rural and regional water supply projects identified by the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS).

With concurrence by the House of Representatives, SCR 607 now stands as a unified statement of support from the 101st Legislature for long-term regional water supply planning across South Dakota.

The resolution recognizes that safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water is essential to public health, economic development, agriculture, and quality of life. It further acknowledges that many regions of the state face long-term water quantity and quality challenges that require large-scale, regional solutions beyond the capacity of individual local systems.
The projects referenced in SCR 607 include:

Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System
Serving central and southern portions of eastern South Dakota, Dakota Mainstem is designed to address long-term water supply needs in areas experiencing growth and increasing demand.

Western Dakota Regional Water System
Focused on resolving chronic water deficits in western South Dakota, Western Dakota represents a transformational regional solution to long-standing supply challenges.

Lewis and Clark Regional Water System – Second Expansion Feasibility
SCR 607 supports the pursuit of congressional authorization for feasibility work related to a second expansion of the Lewis and Clark system to meet future demand.

Water Investment in Northern South Dakota (WINS)
WINS supports municipal, rural, and industrial water needs across northeastern South Dakota.

“These projects are about long-term water security for our state,” said Jeremiah Corbin, Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems. “SCR 607 sends a clear message that South Dakota stands united in supporting responsible regional water development and federal partnership through congressional authorization.”
Large-scale water supply projects typically require congressional authorization before federal cost-share participation can occur through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies. The resolution recognizes that authorization is a critical step toward advancing feasibility studies, securing funding, and ensuring projects move forward in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.
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SCR 607 also highlights the importance of coordination among local water systems, SDARWS, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and South Dakota’s congressional delegation. Demonstrated statewide alignment strengthens South Dakota’s position when competing for federal authorization and appropriations.
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“This resolution reflects years of planning and collaboration at the local level,” Corbin added. “Water infrastructure is foundational to economic growth, community stability, and public health. Legislative support at the state level strengthens our case in Washington, D.C.”

SDARWS extends appreciation to Senator Crabtree and the legislators in both chambers who supported SCR 607, as well as to Governor Rhoden, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and South Dakota’s congressional delegation for their continued partnership.