Thune, Rounds Legislation to Advance Lewis and Clark Water Expansion Project Approved by Committee

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) applauded the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for passing their legislation on Thursday, July 16, that would authorize a feasibility study for the proposed expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. The bill now heads to the full Senate. “The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System continues to achieve meaningful progress toward fully serving its member communities across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota,” said Thune . “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our legislation and look forward to its consideration by the full Senate. I thank Senator Rounds for working with me on this important effort.” “Continued access to clean and reliable water is critical to economic development and quality of life in our state,” said Rounds . “I’m pleased that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced our legislation that would authorize a feasibility study for an expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. I look forward to working with Senator Thune and my colleagues to get this feasibility study through the Senate and into law.” “Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is grateful to Congress and the champions of this legislation, including Leader Thune, for recognizing the importance of long-term water infrastructure planning,” said Troy Larson, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System . “The success of our region depends on a dependable water supply, and this measure will help ensure we are prepared to meet future needs as our communities grow. Thoughtful planning today will help secure reliable water service, economic opportunity, and quality of life for generations to come. We thank the bill sponsors for their leadership.” In addition to Thune and Rounds, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (S. 3725) is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn).