PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Executive Comment Requested from Bur Reclamation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 9, 1997
Dakota Water Resources Act of 1997 - Amends Federal provisions relating to the Garrison water diversion unit, North Dakota (part of the Missouri River Basin Project), to include within the authorized purposes of such unit the development of municipal, rural, and industrial water systems, groundwater recharge, augmented stream flows, irrigation, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources. (Currently, only irrigation is authorized.) Authorizes the State of North Dakota (currently, only the Secretary of the Interior) to plan and construct within North Dakota a multipurpose water resource development irrigation project. Makes nonreimbursable all features constructed by the Secretary before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with North Dakota for the operation and maintenance of the completed unit facilities and the design and construction by the State of new unit facilities. Makes the Secretary responsible for mitigation and enhancement measures associated with features so constructed. (Sec. 3) Repeals a provision prohibiting the Secretary from altering the status of Sheyenne Lake National Wildlife Refuge prior to the completion of construction of Lonetree Dam and Reservoir. (Sec. 4) Excludes certain areas in North Dakota within which the Secretary is authorized to develop irrigation facilities. (Sec. 5) Prohibits irrigation costs from resulting in any reallocation of project costs or increased rates to Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin customers. (Sec. 6) Revises provisions authorizing the construction of municipal, rural, and industrial water systems in North Dakota to: (1) reduce from 25 to 15 percent the non-Federal share of construction costs; (2) authorize the State to use Federal and non-Federal funds for grants or loans for such systems; (3) make additional projects eligible for such funding; (4) direct the Secretary and the State to jointly submit to the Congress a report on the comprehensive water quality and quantity needs of the Red River Valley and the options for meeting those needs; (5) direct the Secretary to prepare and complete a draft environmental impact statement with respect to such needs; (6) direct the State to select one or more options for meeting such needs; (7) authorize the State to develop and implement a State water conservation program; and (8) make nonreimbursable the cost of certain water system features constructed on the Missouri River by the Secretary of the Army before the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 7) Authorizes and directs the Secretary to construct a feature or features to deliver water to the Sheyenne River water supply and release facility or such other feature(s) as selected by the State. Deauthorizes the Lonetree Dam and Reservoir. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to contract with the State for the operation and maintenance of the Lonetree wildlife conservation area. (Sec. 8) Prohibits authorized Federal funds from being used to subsidize the irrigation of any crop at the Oakes Test Area after one year after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 9) Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out provisions added by this Act. (Sec. 10) Renames the Wetlands Trust (as established under the prior Federal provisions) the Natural Resources Trust and provides additional Federal contributions to such Trust. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to cause to be performed a review of the options for bank stabilization of the Missouri River downstream of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota.
People & committees
Rep. Pomeroy, Earl [D-ND-At Large] · D–ND
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Executive Comment Requested from Bur Reclamation.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2320-2322)
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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