An Indian lawmaker in Montana has reintroduced a bill that seeks the cleanup of abandoned gold mines near the Fort Belknap Reservation.

State Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, wants to create a permanent state trust fund to pay the cost of long-term water treatment at the site of the old Zortman-Landusky mines. The bill would funnel about $1.5 million a year into the fund.

Tribal members testified in support of the bill on Monday. They said they are worried about contamination that has turned water orange.

The mines were built on land taken from the tribes. The Little Rocky Mountains, a sacred area, were destroyed by the mines, whose latest owner declared bankruptcy, leaving a mess for the state and the federal government.

Get the Story:
Windy Boy seeks mine cleanup funds (The Great Falls Tribune 2/1)

Relevant BLM Documents:
Record of Decision | Final Environmental Impact Statement

Relevant Links:
Fort Belknap Community Council - http://tlc.wtp.net/fort.htm

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