DOWNING VISITS DRY-REDWATER REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY, HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS ON H.R. 8745
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIDNEY, MT. – Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) joined members of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Board in Sidney to discuss progress on H.R. 8745, his legislation to authorize construction of the Dry-Redwater Rural Water System.
During the meeting, Downing updated board members on the bill’s status in the House and discussed the federal authorization process, project timelines, and next steps for advancing the legislation through Congress.
Congressman Downing with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Board
“Eastern Montana has waited far too long for clean and reliable water,” said Congressman Downing. “The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act will help move this critical project forward and deliver the infrastructure these communities need. I appreciate the work of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority and will keep working to get this bill across the finish line.”
H.R. 8745 would authorize construction of the Dry-Redwater Rural Water System, serving communities in Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, and Richland counties. These areas have historically faced poor water quality.
The proposed system would include a water treatment plant, more than 1,300 miles of pipeline, 116 miles of electrical lines, 12 pump stations, and six storage tanks.
Read the bill text HERE.
Background
Downing introduced H.R. 8745 in May 2026. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy.
The Dry-Redwater Rural Water System is designed to expand access to clean and reliable water across eastern Montana and provide long-term infrastructure for rural communities in the region.