The Fort Peck Tribes built a water treatment plan to serve the reservation and rural communities in Montana. Photo from Morrison-Maierle, Inc.

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking $20.3 million for tribal water projects in fiscal year 2016.

The budget request includes $3.7 million for a project that benefits the Fort Peck Tribes and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in Montana. That's an increase of $451,000 from the current level.

Another $4.625 million is sought a project that benefits the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the North Central Montana Rural Water System. The amount represents an increase of $566,000.

Finally, there's a $12 million request for the Mni Wiconi Project in South Dakota. That's the same amount of money being spent this year on operation and maintenance.

The money is part of a total of $36 million for reservation and rural water projects, the Associated Press reported.

Get the Story:
Federal funding in short supply for rural water projects (AP 3/30)
A look at US Bureau of Reclamation rural water projects (AP 3/30)