WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week secured a commitment from Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Commissioner Camille Touton to work with him on funding the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) Project. Hoeven raised the priority during a hearing of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, stressing the importance of the project in ensuring a reliable water supply in the Red River Valley, particularly during times of drought, while highlighting the opportunity for BOR to generate revenue through Garrison Diversion facilities, which are currently underutilized.
In particular, Hoeven highlighted an issue where BOR is utilizing the municipal, rural, and industrial (MR&I) water supply program funding to cover biota water treatment costs, which affects the availability of funds for projects like ENDAWS. Touton committed to continue working with the senator to resolve the issue. The senator also invited Touton to again visit North Dakota, building upon her visit last year to review the state’s water supply projects.
“North Dakotans know well the challenges of water management, both in terms of flooding and drought. ENDAWS will serve as a critical tool to ensure the Red River Valley has a reliable water supply when it is needed most,” said Hoeven. “We’ve made important progress on this priority in recent years, but more needs to be done, including preserving MR&I funding for its intended use. I appreciate Commissioner Touton’s commitment to address this issue and help ensure funding for ENDAWS, as well as her responsiveness as we continue working to get this important project across the finish line.”