North Dakota’s 2025 legislative session is past the halfway point and Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) representatives from Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (Garrison Diversion) and Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) have been busy supporting the project at the Capitol. Garrison Diversion and LAWA are co-sponsors of the state RRVWSP.

The Department of Water Resources Budget, House Bill 1020, continues to go through the legislative process. The House version proposes $260 million in funding for the project. The funding represents the state’s 75% cost share amount for the 2025-2027 biennium. “With that amount, we can continue to construct the Red River Valley Water Supply Project at a level that will allow us to complete it within the 10-year build schedule,” says Brandon Bochenski, LAWA Vice Chairman and Grand Forks Mayor. The Cities of Fargo and Grand Forks are the largest of the 17 cities, water systems, and counties signed up to receive water from the RRVWSP.

End users of the emergency and supplemental water supply would be responsible for the remaining 25% cost share totaling $86.7 million for the upcoming biennium. The funding would come from the state’s Water Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund (WIRLF), which includes a 40-year repayment at 2% interest. The state and local shares together total $346.7 million for the 2025-2027 biennium.

“Some of the ways we can increase affordability is to increase the number of end users to spread costs out more, seek federal funding, and maintain the cost-efficient 10-year construction schedule,” says Merri Mooridian, Deputy Program Manager of RRVWSP Administration and Garrison Diversion Administrative Officer.

The requested $260 million in HB 1020 reflects the funding needed to accomplish the work plan for the upcoming biennium. The work plan includes the installation of 40 miles of buried pipeline and the final design of the biota water treatment plant, McClusky Canal Pump Station, main pump station, and ground storage reservoirs.

The Senate is now considering HB 1020.

During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers approved legislative intent for the RRVWSP totaling $953 million in future funding. The legislature is scheduled to wrap up by May 9^th, which is the 80^th day of the 2025 legislative session.