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Committee keeps $3 million for grasslands grazing grants to convert plugged oil wells to water sources
Summary
Appropriations members agreed to include $3 million in one‑time SIF funding for grasslands grazing grants intended to convert abandoned oil wells into water supplies and support grazing and wildlife management on national grasslands.
Committee members discussed and approved placing $3,000,000 into the grasslands grazing grants line to fund projects that convert abandoned or plugged oil wells into water sources, then pipe and distribute the water for grazing and other uses.
Tom Bodine and legislators described the program’s purpose: converting previously plugged oil wells into functioning water wells and then installing pipeline and storage infrastructure so grazing associations can use the water. Bodine and legislators noted the program supports national grasslands that lack private water infrastructure and that federal programs often do not cover these improvements.
Members recounted the program’s prior funding history: an initial $5,000,000 allocation (partly ARPA), a later $1,000,000 appropriation, and a request of $3,000,000 in the current cycle. Committee staff said the funding already exists in agency budgeting but the committee would provide one‑time SIF funding as requested; Tom Bodine explained that much of the previously appropriated money is obligated to projects but that some projects will not be started until next year.
Why it matters: committee members described the grants as supporting livestock and wildlife management on federal grasslands and helping ranchers and grazing associations access water. Representative Brandon said the money functions like infrastructure support for townships and counties.
Action on record: committee staff recorded the $3,000,000 request (SIF funds) on the worksheet and members expressed agreement to continue the program. Committee discussion indicated this is intended to be one‑time SIF funding targeted to remaining conversion projects.
