BEAR BUTTE STATE PARK, S.D. – Geologists and hydrologists can use scientific charts and graphs to understand the increasing water challenges facing South Dakota, but it only takes a brief visit to Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis for a non-scientist to see the outcome of decreasing water levels.

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin

Imagine if Lake Oahe were filled with oil instead of water. We would treat it as one of the country’s greatest economic assets. Pipelines would be flowing. Industries would be built around it. The cost of moving oil west would be a budget line item.

As of September 17, the feasibility study for the project is awaiting a vote from the U.S. Senate. It will still be 20 to 30 years before service is started