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Fifth graders from the Assiniboine Sioux Tribe collected water samples judged on appearance, odor, and total mineral content, verified by a parent as coming from a household tap.
Story by Carrie Diroll Program Analyst, Reclamation Law Administration Division, Policy and Programs
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided unprecedented support for the Bureau of Reclamation’s authorized rural water projects in the form of $1 billion from fiscal years (FY) 2022 to 2026. These projects provide potable water to rural and tribal communities across six states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
“Rural water projects get to the heart of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by building resiliency and supporting local economies. Providing this project-specific funding underscores the Administration’s commitment to help rural and Tribal communities access safe drinking water and the water treatment infrastructure they deserve…the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures that rural and Tribal communities receive adequate assistance and support,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
“Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Department is committed to bringing clean, reliable drinking water to rural communities to help strengthen resilience to climate change,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo. “The significant amount of funding for rural water construction from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us expedite project completion.”
In FY 2022 alone, Reclamation announced $420 million in investments in the authorized projects, including for work related to pipeline connections, construction of water treatment plants and intakes, pump systems, and reservoir construction. Allocations for funding under the Infrastructure Law are driven by construction capabilities, prioritization criteria, and stakeholder needs. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law FY 2022 Allocation:
• $160 million for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System in New Mexico for the construction of a transmission pipeline that will provide critical water supplies to approximately 70,000 people.
• $75.5 million for the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota to support treated water pipeline segments on Iowa 4 and 5, the Sibley Service Line, and associated meter buildings, booster pumps, and storage reservoirs.
• $57.5 million for the Rocky Boys / North Central Montana Rural Water System in Montana for core pipeline construction on Segments 6 and 7 and continued efforts on the water treatment plant, as well as construction for segments associated with Tiber, Big Sandy, Loma, and Havre service areas
• $51 million for the Garrison-Diversion Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program in North Dakota to support efforts associated with the Fort Berthold User Expansion, as well as construction efforts to support service in Northeast Segment Areas 3 and 4, the Spirit Lake West Service Area, and the Bear Soldier Service Area.
• $37 million for the recently authorized Musselshell Judith Rural Water System in Montana for phase 2 of rural water construction activities.
• $7 million for the Fort Peck Reservation – Dry Prairie Rural Water System in Montana to support the Tribal components of Fort Peck West Phases 3 and 4. Of the FY 2022 Infrastructure Law allocation, $32 million was held in reserve to be distributed throughout the fiscal year to address potential increases in construction capability for the projects listed above, ensuring a dynamic and strategic response to advance the completion of these projects.
As Reclamation continues to allocate funding to these authorized projects in FY 2023 and beyond, this will also include funding for Jicarilla Apache Rural Water System. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided a unique opportunity to reengage with the Tribe to validate reimbursement to the Tribe for work already completed and evaluate project needs.
