U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Indian Water Rights Settlement for Fort Belknap, Montana

Jun 20, 2024, 09:11 PM

The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to finalize the Indian water rights settlement in Montana, marking a significant milestone for the state. This legislation, years in the making, aims to resolve water rights issues for the Fort Belknap Indian Community, farmers, ranchers, and residents of the Hi-Line region. The bill's passage is seen as a historic achievement for Montana, with key figures such as Senator Steve Daines, Governor Greg Gianforte, Representative Matt Rosendale, and Senator Jon Tester expressing their support. The settlement reflects the culmination of nearly a half-century of dedicated work. The next step is for the House to approve the bill, enabling the development of critical water infrastructure in northcentral Montana. Additionally, the St. Mary siphon failures have left families, farmers, and small businesses in North Central Montana reeling.