Senate adjusts $650 million water project funding reducing key allocations across multiple initiatives

Funding adjustments dominated the recent Senate Appropriations meeting focused on education and environmental projects in North Dakota. Key discussions revealed significant cuts and reallocations impacting various water projects across the state.

The Senate proposed a $650,000 reduction in capital assets related to the Devil's Lake outlet, alongside a substantial $228.75 million decrease in funding for water projects and grants. This adjustment reflects a shift from the House version, which had allocated more robust funding. Notably, discretionary funding was also trimmed by $2 million, bringing the total to $8 million.

The Southwest Pipeline Project saw a notable decrease of $30.7 million, with the Senate settling on a total budget of $101 million for the initiative. In contrast, the House had previously suggested a higher figure. The meeting also addressed the removal of a $10 million deficiency appropriation from the Senate's proposal, which the House had included.

Further adjustments included a reduction in legislative intent for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project from $260 million to $150 million, and for Mouse River flood control, the Senate cut the proposed funding from $125 million to $65 million. The South Bismarck Stormwater and Flood Control initiative was entirely removed from the Senate's budget.

Despite these cuts, the Senate maintained a commitment to support the Missouri River system's water usage and governance studies, with a reporting requirement set for March 2026. The meeting concluded with discussions on potential line item transfers, indicating ongoing deliberations about the management of water-related funding.

These budgetary changes signal a tightening of resources for critical water infrastructure projects in North Dakota, raising questions about the future of water management and environmental initiatives in the state.