The Senate Indian Affairs Committee heard testimony on S.434, the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act, on Wednesday.

The bill ratifies a water rights compact between the Blackfeet Nation and the state of Montana. Shannon Augare, a council member, told the committee that the deal will help the tribe's economy.

"Safe and clean drinking water supplies are vital for the growing population on the Reservation, and water is critical to our economy which is heavily dependent on stock raising and agriculture,” Augare testified.

Jay Weiner, an assistant attorney general from Montana, testified in support of the settlement, which the state has agreed to fund with $49 million. He said the bill will create jobs on the reservation.

At a hearing during the 112th Congress, the Obama administration raised objections to a prior version of the bill. But Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said most of the concerns have been addressed although some issues remain.

The federal government's contribution under the bill is about $400 million.

Get the Story:
Senate bill would formalize Blackfeet's water rights (The Great Falls Tribune 5/9)

Committee Notice:
LEGISLATIVE HEARING to receive testimony on the following bills: S. 434, S. 611 (May 8, 2013)

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