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Lawmakers press to extend Fort Peck rural water authorization to finish Dry Prairie pipeline
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Summary
The subcommittee heard that HR 7250 would extend the Fort Peck Reservation/Dry Prairie rural water project authorization to 2028 so remaining construction can finish after pandemic-related cost increases and a recent BLM permit delay affecting sage-grouse habitat. Witnesses said no new federal appropriations are required to complete work already allocated.
Representative Troy Downing and project leaders told the subcommittee HR 7250 is needed to extend the authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System to allow completion of two remaining pipeline phases.
Rick Nick, chair of the Dry Prairie Water Authority, said the project has delivered safe drinking water to more than 18,000 residents and that the system has built more than 3,000 miles of pipeline to date. He said the project is nearly complete but two sections remain: one contract has been let and awaits construction start; the other is ready to bid but delayed by a Bureau of Land Management permitting issue tied to greater sage-grouse habitat. Nick said the COVID-19 pandemic produced roughly a $60 million cost increase for the project but that the work can be finished under the authorized ceiling if the authorization is extended to December 2028.
Downing said the bill would not increase appropriations and would provide the local partners the authority needed to spend funds already allocated to finish the project. Members asked about the BLM letter and the timeline; Nick said meetings are scheduled with BLM and that the nesting season for greater sage-grouse constrains construction timing and could push final completion into 2028 without the extension.
Committee members thanked witnesses and the subcommittee adjourned without taking votes.
