Potential of Missouri River pipelines to Western states opens new front in upstream-downstream fight
Mark Gilliam brings a decade of experience in business reporting to Fargo Current, previously writing for the Grand Forks Herald. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota and specializes in local economic trends and business development.
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WASHINGTON (South Dakota Searchlight) Downstream Missouri River states have worried for decades about receiving an insufficient flow of water from upstream dams. Now they’re worried their share of water could be further diminished by potential pipelines for dry Western states. The concern is the basis of a dispute about the U.S. House version of the federal Water Resources Development Act. A provision in the bill would require approval from all governors in Missouri River states to study or construct a project that moves water from the river or its tributaries to a non-Missouri River state. The bill has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate, where a Senate version of the legislation lacks the controversial provision. Missouri lawmaker and group support provision The House bill’s definition of “Missouri River states” includes not only the seven states where the river flows — Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri — but also Colorado, Minnes