State Water Commission Approves NAWS Milestone

BISMARCK, ND — At its June meeting, the North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) approved 26 cost-share requests for a broad range of strategic initiatives designed to enhance water infrastructure, support economic development, and ensure sustainable water access across the state. In total, the SWC approved more than $216 million in funding assistance for North Dakota water projects.

“These funding approvals showcase our continuing commitment to build and maintain resilient water infrastructure across the state,” Department of Water Resources Director Reice Haase said. “The range and scale of these projects reflect both the demand for modern infrastructure and our shared vision for long-term sustainability.”

Highlights from the meeting include:

• Southwest Pipeline Project (SWPP): Authorization for new agreements to expand rural water service, improve hydraulics in Dunn County, and support Net-Zero efforts in Richardton.
• Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS): Approval of a major contract for intake and pumping plant modifications, a new agreement with the City of Minot, and reimbursements for pump rebuilds.
• Flood Control and General Water Management: Funding for:
  • Dickinson Northwest Regional Pond Feasibility Study – $240,000
  • Valley Street bank stabilization (Ward County) – $165,000
  • Crystal Springs Watershed Initiative (Stutsman County) – $18,000
  • Department of Environmental Quality’s Nonpoint Source team – $200,000
  • USGS Cooperative Monitoring Program – $538,378
• Rural, Regional and Municipal Water Projects: Over $215 million allocated to critical infrastructure upgrades, including:
  • City of Grafton – $225,000
  • City of Minot (11th Ave NW) – $120,000
  • City of Minot (Dacotah Homes & 2nd Ave SW) – $120,000
  • City of Cando – $395,084
  • City of Kindred – $430,723
  • City of Belfield – $1,314,186
  • City of Grand Forks (47th Ave S) – $1,545,020
  • City of Grand Forks (Highway 81 Area – Phase 2) – $1,138,220
  • City of Jamestown (North) – $873,335
  • City of Jamestown (South) – $1,797,994
  • City of Kenmare – $867,627
  • WAWSA Intake – Phase 2 – $1,254,750
  • WAWSA McKenzie County System 2 Expansion – $14,346,000
  • WAWSA East Williston CR9 – Alt 1 – $1,972,793
  • Garrison Diversion RRVWSP – $150,000,000
  • East Central Rural Water (Hillsboro) – $12,675,453
  • South Central Rural Water (University of Mary Area) – $1,345,725
  • Southeast Water User District (West WTP) – $16,308,863
  • North Prairie RWD (Mountrail Phase III) – $2,016,603
  • Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa (Hwy 3 Corridor Phase II) – $6,853,148

Additionally, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) helped Spirit Lake Nation address elevated manganese levels in its drinking water by supporting the installation of a mobile greensand filter unit. The emergency project secured safe drinking water for approximately 4,000 residents. DWR approved up to $100,000 in cost-share funding to cover 75% of construction costs.

DWR’s Cost-Share program is primarily supported by the Resources Trust Fund, which receives 20.5% of North Dakota’s oil extraction tax revenues.

New Legislative Studies

The SWC approved two Requests for Information (RFIs) tied to studies mandated by the 2025 Legislative Assembly:

• Cost-Share Program Policy Study: Will evaluate the program’s adequacy in funding long-term water needs through July 1, 2039, and review scheduling, deferred maintenance, and funding strategies.
• Governance and Finance Study: Will assess long-term models for NAWS, SWPP, and the Red River Water Supply Project, including organizational and operational evaluation.

For more information, visit https://www.dwr.nd.gov/