Mr. Sprynczynatyk, how is that for pronunciation?
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. That is very good.
Mr. Frelinghuysen. State engineer for the State of North Da-
kota.
How many letters are in that name?
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. Same number as in yours, sir.
Mr. Frelinghuysen. I Hke that. Just don't ask me to pronounce
it again.
Thank you for being with us, and you brought somebody with
you.
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. Yes, I did. And we hope that Congressman
Pomeroy will join us momentarily. He is going to try to be here.
Mr. Frelinghuysen. He may.
And let me say for the record, any prepared statement, especially
those that are lengthy, we will be happy to include in toto in the
transcript. So anything you could do to summarize, and brevity is
the key to longevity.
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. We will do that.
706
I have also brought for the record, testimony on behalf of the
North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association and the North Da-
kota Water Coalition, and that has been given to the clerk.
[The information follows:]
707
TESTIMONY OF
Dave Kolemd, Executive Director
North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association
to the House Subcommittee
on Energy and Water Development
Garrison Diversion Unit
February 28, 1996
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:
My name is Dave Koland, Executive Director of the North Dakota Rural
Water Systems Association. The 24 operating rural water systems in North
Dakota provide bulk water service to 62 cities and direct hookups in 110
additional communities. The total city and rural population served is over
95,000.
In the early 1940 's there were predictions that the Great Plains would
soon be an empty wasteland. The young people had left to fight in WWII or
work in the defense factories on the west coast and the Dust Bowl of the
30' s was still fresh in everyone's mind.
A plan to repopulate the Great Plains was devised in Washington- -it was
known as the Pick-Sloan Plan. A series of dams would be built on the
Missouri River and water for irrigation would be diverted to make the Great
Plains a haven for labor intensive irrigated farms.
Today we are seeing the predictions of an empty wasteland come true!
To quote the October 15, 1995, NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE: "The Great Plains
are emptying out. What remains is a region populated increasingly by
lonely old women and sustained by farm programs, Social Security and
Medicare. "
Census data tends to support the empty part . The Census Data Center in
Fargo predicts continued growth in Fargo & Grand Forks- -Stability in Minot
and Bismarck but overall a population loss of at least 9000 and maybe as
much as 35,000 people in the next 15 years. That predicted loss will
obviously be in rural North Dakota. How do we change that??
708
Page Two. .
How do we replace the multitude of farmers using irrigation that
Pick-Sloan envisioned?
You are right if you are saying to yourself that there is no ONE
answer ! ! A great many things must come together to make North Dakota ' s
economy grow. But the single resource that everyone needs is WATER. It
services our schools and hospitals, supplies our industries, waters our
crops, sustains us all. It is a common bond, the single most important
resource in growing communities.
Let me quote the NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE again: "People will return to
the rural Great Plains only if they want to live here . "... "What would you
get? Clean air, good schools, no crime, no traffic jams, people who are so
friendly that it takes some getting used to."
Here's what we've discovered with rural water. People like to live on
a few acres in a rural setting! Our fastest growing areas are around the
major cities. In southeast North Dakota we are also finding that small
towns with good water have become BEDROOM communities not only for the
larger cities, but also for the Melroe's, the sugar beet plants, the
sunflower plants, and they will be for our latest venture PRO GOLD.
Towns once populated with widows and retired farmers are now having to
deal with a growing school age population. Abandoned farms that have a
rural water hookup are being rented or sold to commuters while those
without good water stand empty. Those with water have in fact become
"bedroom farms".
The QUALITY OF LIF3 we offer in North Dakota is a rare commodity. Our
nation is faced with a population fleeing the problems of the cities. The
American dream of a home in the suburbs has been replaced by a "home in the
country" .
709
Page Three. .
More will come if we provide the opportunity. We have much of what it
takes in place. The roads, the communications, the energy, the schools,
everything except WATER! North Dakota has an abundant supply of water but
just not in the right place. The Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS)
project will help change that.
Minot has reached out to the rural areas with their MAGIC FUND and
supported economic development efforts in the surrounding area. They have
also agreed that the water rate for delivery of NAWS water beyond Minot
will be the same as for delivery to Minot. They have demonstrated to the
rest of North Dakota that economic survival of a major city depends on more
than just what happens inside its city limits.
If the rest of North Dakota continues to ignore what is happening in
the small towns around our major cities then all of us will eventually
suffer. We must help the rural areas change from being just a support base
for wheat farmers to a support base for jobs creation. If we do nothing
the predictors will probably be right- -we will become a state of old
people- -destined for oblivion when they pass on.
We can change that - in northwest North Dakota the Magic Fund has proven
that rural and urban can work together for mutual benefit. In southeast
North Dakota we have seen the impact of providing good water to rural areas
and witnessed the dramatic change in small communities. If we combine the
Magic Fund concept with a regional water delivery system- -in 15 years the
predictors of doom will look like fools.
Water ALONE will not bring people back to rural North Dakota but
without WATER there is little hope that any proposed solution will work!
710
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NortK Dakota Water Coalition TcstimoTiy
Before the House Subcommittee
on Energy and Water Development
Garrison Diversion Unit
Date: February 26, 1996
To: Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee
From: Dennis Hill, Chairman, ND Water Coalition
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you to
discuss North Dakota's water supply shortages.
North Dakota is facing several major water iasuee.
They include:
Devils Lake water levels.
Water supply needs of the Red River Valley.
Water needs for high-value agriculture
production and processing.
Completion of the NAWS project to provide water
for northwest North Dakota.'
Completion of the Southwest Pipeline Project to
provide water for southwest North Dakota.
Construction of rural water delivery systems.
Water for James River Oakes Test Area.
We must find a way to address our water
infrastructure needs. Otherwise, as we enter the
next century, we will find ourselves dealing with
each issue in a crisis mode, such ae we are now
required to do with Devils Lake, rather than with
foresight and careful planning.
For example, if we do not find a way to provide water
to the Red River Valley, we will face a similar
crisis when a dry cycle occurs or when another ag
processing opportunity presents itself.
711
We are at a croearoads in our state 'e history concerning water
Infrastructure. The projects that muat be unclertsJ<en to assure
adequate quantity and quality of water for our state are
enormous. Garrison Diversion ia the only real solution for
Devils Lake stabilization, NAWS, Southwest Pipeline Project,
water for the Red River Valley, water for the Oakea Test Area,
and water for high-value agriculture production and processing.
It ifl requested that Congress continue to fund this critical
water supply project for North Dakota. We have sacrificed over
500,000 acres of land for Missouri River flood protection and
hydro-power generation, and we deserve some small compensation
for our sacrifice. Please support appropriations to complete
this project.
712
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. For the record, my name is Dave
Sprynczynatyk. I am the North Dakota State Engineer and the
Secretary to our State Water Commission.
Thank you for the opportunity to be here today representing
North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer and the people of North Dakota
in order to ask for adequate funding for the Garrison Diversion
Project for fiscal year 1997.
Although we do not know what the administration's budget re-
quest will be for the coming year, we have structured our budget
request for $26.2 million based upon input from throughout the
State, including the Indian tribes.
The State of North Dakota continues to view the Garrison Diver-
sion Project as the premier water management project for the
State. The Garrison Project holds the key to the future of North
Dakota.
The project assures all of our citizens an adequate quantity and
quality water for municipal, rural and industrial systems and it is
our essential tool for economic development, agriculture, recreation,
tourism and wildlife enhancement. We continue to work toward
completion of the total Garrison Project.
Meanwhile, we must continue to work on several municipal,
rural and industrial systems started with previous appropriations.
We must complete the Southwest Pipeline Project to provide Mis-
souri River water to 25 communities and a large rural area in
southwest North Dakota. We must also begin the much-needed Re-
gional Northwest Area Water Supply Project that also provides
Missouri River water to the City of Minot and 15 surrounding com-
munities and rural systems. For this part of the Garrison Project
and appropriation, we need $16 million in 1997.
Several other projects for which we need funding include rural
water projects such as the Benson, the Ransom-Sargent, Pierce, the
Stutsman and the Williams Project, to name a few. Also, providing
a greatly needed water supply for the Red River Valley is a priority
for our State.
For Indian irrigation, to fulfill an obligation to the Standing Rock
Sioux Tribe, we need $2.5 million. For recreation and fish and wild-
life, we need $4.2 million, and for research and studies and facili-
ties operations and management we need $3.5 million.
The amount we have asked for will only allow minor progress on
the project but those who will receive good water as a result will
enjoy a safer and healthier quality of life. This is what is important
to the people of our State.
I have appeared before your committee before telling you of the
situation and of the fact that North Dakota gave up 550,000 acres
of valuable Missouri River bottomland for the creation of Lake
Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. These large reservoirs provide flood
control benefits, water supply and hydropower for our downstream
neighbors.
We in turn hope that we can realize the benefits planned for our
State as a result of the Pick-Sloan Project authorized in 1944. Com-
pletion of the Garrison Diversion Project is what is necessary, and
$26.2 million is what is requested for 1997.
Mr. Chairman, North Dakotans are committed to the Garrison
Diversion Project. Although we know the project can never be what
713
it once was, it will continue to be the most important water man-
agement project in our State.
I thank you and the committee for its past support for the Garri-
son Project and it is our hope that you will continue to provide that
support in 1997.
[The statement of Mr. Sprynczynatyk follows:]
714
TESTIMONY OF
David A. Sprynczynatyk
North Dakota State Engineer &
and Secretary to the North Dakota State Water Commission
Before the House Subcommittee
on Energy and Water Development
Garrison Diversion Unit
February 28, 1996
My name is David Sprynczynatyk, State Engineer, and Secretary to the North Dakota State Water
Commission. Thank you for the opportunity to appear today representing North Dakota Governor Edward
T. Schafer and the State of North Dakota to urge adequate funding for the Garrison Diversion Project for
Fiscal Year 1997.
Although we do not know what the Administration's budget request will be for the coming year, we
have structured our budget request for $26.2 million based upon input from throughout the state, including
the Indian tribes. This represents a minimum requirement for funding and is $3.5 million less than
what we requested last year.
The State of North Daikota continues to view the Garrison Diversion Project as the premier water
management project for the state. The Garrison Project holds the key to the future of North Dakota. The
project assures all of our citizens an adequate quantity and quality water for municipal, rural and
industrial systems; and it is our essential tool for economic development, agriculture, recreation,
tourism, and wildlife enhancement.
We continue to work toward completion of the total Garrison Project; meanwhile, we must
continue to work on several municipal, rural and industrial systems started with previous
appropriations. We must complete the Southwest Pipeline Project to provide Missouri River water to 25
other communities and a large rural area in southwest North Dakota. We must also begin the much-
needed regional Northwest Area Water Supply project to provide Missouri River water to the city of Minot
and 15 surrounding communities and rural systems. For this part of the Garrison Project, we need $16
million in 1997.
Several other projects for which we need funding include rural water projects, such as Benson,
Ransom-Sargent, Pierce, Stutsman, and Williams, to name a few. Also, providing a greatly needed
water supply for the Red River Valley is a priority for our state.
For Indian irrigation to fulfill an obligation to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, we need $2.5
million. For recreation and fish and wildlife, we need $4.2 million, and for research and studies and
facilities operations and management, we need $3.5 milhon. The amount we have asked for will allow
only minor progress on the project, but those who will receive good water as a result will enjoy a safer and
healthier quality of hfe. This is what is important for the people of our state. Our needs are immediate
and we ask your consideration for meeting those needs.
I have appeared before you at previous subcommittee hearings, telling you of our situation and of
the fact North Dakota gave up 550,000 acres of valuable Missouri River bottomland for the creation of Lake
Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. These large reservoirs provide flood control benefits, water supply, and
hydro-power for our downstream neighbors. We, in turn, hope that we can realize the benefits planned for
our state as a result of the Pick-Sloan project authorized in 1944. Completion of the Garrison Diversion
Project is what is necessary, and the $26.2 milhon requested for 1997 will help us toward that end.
Mr. Chairman, North Dakotans are committed to the Garrison Diversion Project. Although we
know the project can never be what it once was, it will continue to be the most important water
management project in our state. I thank you and your committee for past support for the Garrison
Project, and it is my hope you will continue your support for Fiscal Year 1997.
715
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. Mr. Chairman, also with me today is Rob-
ert Strand.
Mr. Strand is the Chairman of the Garrison Conservancy Dis-
trict.
Mr. Frelinghuysen. Grood afternoon and welcome.
If you will proceed.
Mr. Strand. Mr. Chairman and Members of the subcommittee,
I am Robert Strand, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District
Board of Directors. I am here today to testify on the fiscal year
1997 appropriations for the Garrison Diversion Project.
Chairman Frelinghuysen, before I begin, I would like to take a
moment to say thank you to Chairman Myers and Congressman
Bevill for the years of support that they have given the Garrison
Project. I understand that they both have decided to retire from
Congress at the end of this year.
North Dakota and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District
have appreciated the years of support and leadership the two of
those have provided to the Nation's water resource development
program. I hope that those who follow will continue to see the wis-
dom of investing in and providing the necessary Federal dollars for
this country's infrastructure. Now let me briefly testify to you as
to what the Garrison Diversion Project's needs are for the next fis-
cal year.
Garrison Diversion's annual appropriation over the last 5 years
has averaged over $30 million. Last year, we supported a reduced
appropriation to $24.9 million because we recognized the need for
all parts of the system to cut back and get along with less Federal
Government funding. This year, we are still committed to main-
taining the reduced levels. Our fiscal year 1997 funding request is
$26.2 miUion.
A majority of that budget request for fiscal year 1997, $16 mil-
lion is for the MR&I program that Mr. Sprynczynatyk just ex-
plained. In addition, the Federal Government has constructed two
large pumping plants and over 120 miles of canal across the State.
A plan to put those facilities to use and begin the delivery of at
least a portion of the envisioned water supplies for other areas is
in the works. Until then, it is imperative that those facilities be
maintained for future use so that public access and public safety
are protected.
Approximately $3 million is needed to continue that part of the
operation. Chairman Taken Alive of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
is here today to discuss the portion of the budget request that is
destined for use in fulfilling a portion of the obligations for com-
pleting the authorized Indian irrigation systems. This is an impor-
tant aspect of the Garrison program as well. They, too, are taking
responsibility and making things happen on the reservation.
Thank you for your past consideration and for your time today.
[The statement of Mr. Strand follows:]
716
TESTIMONY OF
Robert Strand, Chairman
Garrison Diversion Conservancy District
Before the House Subcommittee
on Energy artd Water Development
Garrison Diversion Unit
February 28, 1996
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:
I am Robert Strand, Chairman, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District Board of
Directors. I am here today to testify on Fiscal Year 1997 appropriations for the Garrison
Diversion Project.
Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to say thank you. Chairman Myers
and Congressman Bevill, for your years of support for the Garrison Project. I understand
that you both have decided to retire from Congress at the end of this year.
North Dakota and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District have appreciated
the years of support and leadership the two of you have provided for this nation's water
resource development program. I hope that those who follow you will continue to see the
wisdom of investing in and providing the necessary federal dollars for this country's
infrastructure.
I don't know what your future plans are after leaving Congress, but if you ever want
to visit North Dakota and experience the beauty of the prairie and its people, we would
be most happy to be your host.
Now, let me briefly inform you as to what the Ganison Diversion Project's needs
are for this next fiscal year.
717
Garrison Diversion's annual appropriation over the last five years has averaged
over $30 million. Last year we supported a reduced appropriation of $24.9 million
because we recognized the need for all parts of the system to cut back and get along
with less federal govemment funding. This year we are still committed to maintaining the
reduced levels. Our Fiscal Year 1 997 funding request is for $26.2 million.
For years and years we were told that funding requests large enough to
accomplish full capability of smaller projects, such as Garrison Diversion, would have to
await the funding requests of higher priority programs, such as those in California and
Arizona. Those projects are now fully funded and delivering benefits to the citizens of
their states and many others across the west.
Over recent years, Garrison funding has also been bringing benefits to the citizens
of North Dakota. In particular, are funds for the constaiction of Municipal, Rural and
Industrial (MR&I) water projects across the state. Approximately $110 million has been
appropriated for that purpose, and it has been used as judiciously as we know how. The
federal govemment requires a 25% match of nonfederal dollars. In order to make the
funds go as far as possible, the state and the Conservancy District have stiffened that
requirement to a 35% match.
Nevertheless, the MR&I projects willing to work on that basis continue to grow.
We are working on a proposal to provide off budget financing for as many of the project's
needs beyond those that can be handled within existing authority. In the meantime, we
need to keep the current program going. Nothing would be more discouraging than to
see the current program slashed further in return for our willingness to first, stretch federal
dollars by asking more of the local people and second, look to other funding sources
beyond the cun-ent authority. Only a little over $80 million remains in funding authority
for this program. A variety of water systems are underway which would eliminate the
burden on rural citizens of hauling water for domestic needs and would provide a
minimum water supply for dwindling livestock herds. Now they are waiting for word from
Washington to see if they will be able to finish what they have started. A majority of the
budget request for FY97 ($16 million) is for this MR&I program.
718
In addition, the federal government has constructed two large pumping plants and
over 1 20 miles of canal across the state. A plan to put those facilities to use and begin
the delivery of at least a portion of the envisioned water supplies for other areas is In the
works. Until then, it is imperative that those facilities be maintained for future use so that
public access and public safety are protected. Approximately $3 million is needed to
continue that part of the operation.
Chainnan Taken Alive is here today to discuss the portion of the budget request
that is destined for use in fulfilling a portion of the obligations for completing the
authorized Indian irrigation systems. This is an important aspect of the Garrison program
as well. They, too, are taking responsibility and making things happen on the reservation.
Finally, the funding request at long last includes funds for completion of the
required mitigation programs associated with the refuges. We are sure that this will
provide an excellent setting for our proposal to complete a scaled-down and re-visioned
project. We believe this proposal will save the taxpayers money, be environmentally
superior and meet the most critical of North Dakota's water needs. We believe that is a
legacy you would like to leave, and so would we. Thank you for your past consideration
and for your time today.
719
Mr. Frelinghuysen. Thank you, Mr. Strand.
You were good enough to recognize before you arrived, Congress-
man Tom Bevill, and his length of service and his particular help
to this Nation, and most particularly to your State.
Mr. Strand. Yes.
We want to thank you, Mr. Bevill, for your past support and
wish you lots of luck now on your retirement from Congress.
Mr. Bevill. Thank you. I appreciate that. You have been great
to work with and we are going to have some good folks taking over
here that are going to do a good job, too.
Mr. Strand. Thank you.
Mr. Bevill. You will be all right.
Mr. Sprynczynatyk. We appreciate that, sir. That is a good as-
surance.