South Dakota pipeline project faces delays as officials warn of growing water supply risk

UI) - Officials are warning that delays to a proposed regional water pipeline in western South Dakota could pose increasing risks to long-term water supply, particularly as drought conditions persist. 

Testifying before a U.S. House subcommittee, the executive director of the Western Dakota Regional Water System said the region lacks a reliable, long-term supply and faces mounting pressure on local aquifers. The proposed project would deliver water from the Missouri River to communities across the region, South Dakota Searchlight reported.

Lawmakers are considering legislation that would provide $10 million for a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study, a key next step in advancing the multi-billion-dollar pipeline project. The system has already received state funding and completed several years of preliminary planning work, according to South Dakota Searchlight.

Project leaders said the pipeline is critical to supporting population growth, agriculture, and regional development, as well as infrastructure tied to national defense, including operations at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Officials emphasized that without new supply sources, existing groundwater resources may not meet future demand during extended drought conditions.

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