Montana Gov. Judy Martz (R) has decided to join a fight challenging the Northern Cheyenne Tribe's ownership of half a riverbed even though she is nearly out of office.

Martz said she will ask a federal court to allow the governor's office to intervene in a lawsuit filed by a drilling company. She claims the state owns 100 percent of the Tongue River bed but the federal government says the tribe owns half.

Martz, who is not seeking re-election after one term, acted after Democrats on the state land board outvoted Republicans in staying out of the dispute.

Get the Story:
Martz pursues state's claim to river (AP 10/20)

Related Stories:
Montana won't join fight over tribe's riverbed (10/19)