Pactola Reservoir Reallocation Authorization Act of 2005

The Pactola Reservoir Reallocation Authorization Act of 2005 updates how the costs and usage of the Pactola Dam and Reservoir in South Dakota are managed by the federal government. The law shifts the official designation of the reservoir’s water resources from agricultural irrigation to supporting municipal needs, industrial use, and fish and wildlife conservation. For local citizens, this change ensures that the water supply can be legally prioritized for the growing needs of nearby communities and the protection of local ecosystems rather than being reserved strictly for farming.