Law

Montana set to contribute to Blackfeet settlement

The Montana House and Senate have approved a bill to set the state's contribution to the Blackfeet Nation's water right settlement.

The tribe has been negotiating with the state and the federal government. The tribe recently walked out of a negotiating session but talks are expected to resume again.

The bill requires the state to place $15 million in an interest-bearing account. The money would be available once a settlement is ratified by the state Legislature.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers OK water-rights funding (The Great Falls Tribune 4/27)

Relevant Links:
Blackfeet Nation - http://www.blackfeetnation.com
Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission - http://dnrc.mt.gov/rwrcc

Related Stories:
Blackfeet Nation walks out of water talk meeting (4/13)
Blackfeet Nation water deal draws complaints (4/11)