After passing out of a U.S. Senate committee last month (June 10, 2026), legislation to pay for a feasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System is waiting to be heard by the full Senate.

Another piece of federal legislation seeking funding to study a Missouri River water pipeline project in South Dakota has passed a U.S. Senate committee.

South Dakota is taking additional steps to support livestock producers as drought conditions continue to affect farms and ranches across the state. Governor Larry Rhoden has signed Executive Order 2026-08, providing temporary transportation flexibility to help farmers and ranchers move hay more efficiently during the ongoing drought emergency.

The solution to West River’s vulnerability to drought sounds deceptively simple, like instructions on a pancake mix: Just Add Water.

The engineering team of AE2S, Black and Veatch (BV), and KLJ continues to make great progress on the conceptual designs for water transmission and distribution, as well as a water treatment system.

Mark your calendars for October 21 & 22, as we gather to celebrate our progress, reconnect with fellow members, and address regional water challenges and opportunities together.