MR&I Water Supply

In 1986, the federal government authorized the Municipal, Rural and Industrial (MR&I) water supply program, funded partially by a $200 million federal grant, which has helped many North Dakota water systems obtain a clean, reliable supply of water for residences, farms, schools, hospitals and industries. In spite of the work completed with the almost exhausted $200 million federal grant, many water systems need assistance. In 2006, the total federal appropriations reached the $200 million level promised in the 1986 MR&I funding. An additional $200 million has been authorized in the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 (DWRA) to help further meet statewide water requirements.

The Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 amends the 1986 authorization and was authorized by the U.S. Congress on December 15, 2000. The DWRA addresses municipal, rural, and industrial water systems, fish, wildlife, and other natural resource conservation and development, recreation, flood control, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and augmented stream flows. The Bureau of Reclamation is the federal agency handling DWRA components. The Bureau of Reclamation also administers the MR&I program on the Indian reservations. North Dakota's four largest reservations are home to most of the state's Native Americans. Like the rest of North Dakota, Fort Totten, Fort Berthold, Turtle Mountain and Standing Rock Indian Reservations are faced with shortfalls in water quality and quantity. The reservations have received Garrison Diversion grant money to develop and improve water delivery to their residents and businesses. The State Water Commission and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District administer the state MR&I program. Click here to view the Garrison Diversion Web Site.

Annual DWRA federal appropriations are subject to congressional approval. DWRA includes $631.5 million with $200 million for studies and features associated with meeting the needs of the Red River Valley, $200 million for Indian MR&I, $200 million for state MR&I, $6.5 million for recreation projects, and $25 million for a natural resources trust. For more information on the Red River Valley studies go to www.rrvwsp.com. Further information on the other aspects of DWRA will be posted as the details of the program are determined by Congress, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other interested organizations.

The current MR&I program has funded many projects since its inception in 1986. Most have been smaller scale projects that were completed within a few years. Two of the larger projects being supported with MR&I funding are the Southwest Pipeline Project and the Northwest Area Water Supply Project (NAWS).

The MR&I program has funded portions of the Southwest Pipeline Project, which began construction in 1986. To date, about $70 million of MR&I funding has been spent. For more information about the Southwest Pipeline Project, click here: Southwest Pipeline.

The Northwest Area Water Supply project started construction in 2003. As of 2005, $29 million has been spent to bring the project to its current status. About $25.6 million in funding for NAWS has been reserved from the initial MR&I allocation. For more information about the Northwest Area Water Supply project, click here: NAWS.

After the funding authorized in DWRA is received by the state, the MR&I program will be able to fund additional projects. Funding for the program varies each year and comes from annual appropriations by Congress contained in the Bureau of Reclamation budget. Project eligibility and the application process will follow the guidelines of the existing program.

Water supply projects and associated costs are eligible for financial assistance from program funds. Many aspects of the design and construction of water supply projects can be funded, including:

1. New groundwater wells including mechanical and electrical components.
2. Pipelines from water sources to public water systems and principal supply works for rural water systems.
3. Booster pumping plants for supply lines.
4. Intake works and pumping plants for new surface water source.
5. New or enlarged storage facilities.
6. New rural water systems or expansions of rural water systems.
7. New regional water systems or enlargements or extensions of regional water systems.

The design and construction of water treatment projects are also eligible. These projects can be new water treatment plants or modifications and upgrades of existing water treatment plants.

Program funds may be used for engineering, legal, and right-of-way costs, excluding the purchase of easements, and costs incurred in conducting environmental reviews or cultural resources investigations associated with the planning and design and construction. Program funds are not available for costs associated with operation, maintenance, and replacement of water supply or treatment systems or with the preparation of the preliminary engineering report.

An applicant must submit an application for program funds to the State Engineer. A copy must also be sent to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

The application must include the following:

1. Information explaining the need for the proposal, including its objectives and benefits.
2. The area to be served by the proposal.
3. Maps, diagrams, or other illustrated documentation if these will make the proposal more understandable.
4. The approximate cost of carrying out the proposal, if available.
5. The amount of funding sought from program funds and the amount the applicant intends to contribute to carry out the proposal.
6. Efforts made, and the results, to secure funds from sources other than the MR&I program. If available, provide the current rate schedule for the water supply and treatment system.
7. Other information the applicant believes pertinent or requested by the State Engineer.