The Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes of Montana are set to purchase the Kerr Dam for $18.3 million.

The tribe won a ruling from the American Arbitration Association that said $18.3 million was the fair price. The dam's current owner wanted a lot more -- some $49.4 million.

“This day represents an unwavering and long-standing commitment by the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai Tribes to restore tribal stewardship over resources affected by the Kerr Project,” Chairman Ronald Trahan said in a press release. “This is a big day in our tribal history that is especially meaningful to our communities because it represents self-sufficiency, resilience and vision by the tribes. Today we take a big step forward in acquiring the Kerr Project.”

Energy Keepers, the tribe's energy company, will be writing the check. A new name for the dam will be chosen.

The tribe is filing notice of its purchase with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Get the Story:
Flathead tribes to pay $18.3 million for Kerr Dam (AP 3/6)
CSKT pleased with Kerr Dam purchase price (KAJ News 3/6)
CSKT to pay $18.3M for Kerr Dam; new name planned (The Missoulian 3/6)
Price tag set for Kerr Dam (The Kalispell Daily InterLake 3/6)

Related Stories:
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes set to manage dam (3/24)