U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries in support of his bills to conduct feasibility studies for supplying Missouri River water to communities in eastern South Dakota, according to an April 29 statement.
The hearing addressed the importance of securing future water resources as South Dakota continues to grow. Johnson said, “As South Dakota continues to grow, investments in water supply are critical for the future of our state. I’m proud to support the Lewis and Clark and Dakota Mainstem projects to ensure safe and ample water resources for generations to come.”
Troy Larson, Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, also commented on the need for planning: “The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is grateful for the support of Congressman Johnson and the tri-state delegation for the planning for water needs of our region decades into the future, planning that can occur with this feasibility study. Whether it is economic development or the ongoing needs of communities big and small, access to safe reliable water is a necessary element to future growth.” Ryan Johnson, President of Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, said: “On behalf of Dakota Mainstem, I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and the members of the House Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify and discuss the importance of this project. Reliable water infrastructure is a shared responsibly, essential to the future growth, economic stability, and long-term drought resilience of our region. This feasibility study authorization is an important step toward ensuring communities, rural water systems, and future generations have access to a dependable water supply.”
The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act would allow a Bureau of Reclamation study into drawing drinking water from Missouri River sources serving southeast South Dakota as well as parts of Iowa and Minnesota. The project aims at providing drinking water supplies for approximately 350,000 people across these areas.
Similarly, The Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act would authorize another Bureau study focused on supplementing local supplies from Missouri River sources while addressing long-term scarcity issues affecting more than 50 providers in South Dakota along with regions in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Johnson has represented South Dakota’s at-large district since 2019 according to public records. He succeeded Kristi Noem after her departure from Congress as reported by official biographies. Born in Pierre in 1976 at age 46 he currently resides in Mitchell according biographical information. He graduated from University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s degree in 1999 according university alumni records.
Broader discussions about regional infrastructure will continue as Congress reviews these proposals aimed at strengthening both current systems’ reliability as well as preparing them against potential drought conditions.
