waterdropphotoTHUMBBismarck (CSi) After $18 million in studies, officials say it is time to push forward on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, an $800 million to $1.1 billion undertaking that would provide a secure source of water to the eastern side of the state.

Efforts began in 2012 to plan an alternate route for the project using state and local funds.

In Bismarck the Water Topics Overview Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Schmidt, , said the project needs to be developed in a way that it can meet all needs along the route, which would begin at the Missouri River and run east, without major need for future expansion. At this stage, lawmakers are on board with the project, he said.

An update on design work and tentative construction schedule for a proposed state-funded pipeline was provided to state officials Wednesday. The aim is to have final designs completed and the route decided upon by the end of 2017, with phased construction occurring from 2018 to 2024.

The pipeline was determined to be the best way to address the growing water needs in the Red River Valley, according to an environmental impact statement released in 2007 by the federal Bureau of Reclamation. That was issued after about eight years of study.

The City of Jamestown is supporting the project.

Mayor Katie Andersen says the water supply would be beneficial to projects at the Spiritwood Enegy Park.