Bill introduced to ratify Blackfeet Nation water rights compact

Thursday, February 24, 2011  

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana) introduced a bill to ratify the water rights compact of the Blackfeet Nation.

The tribe and the state signed the compact in 2007 after more than 10 years of negotiations. The deal confirms the tribe's rights and authorizes funding for water projects.

"Water is critical to the cultural, spiritual and economic well-being of all of us, and this bill finally establishes the Blackfeet Nation's rights to the water that is critical the tribe's way of life. This settlement will also support jobs and boost economic growth through water projects like irrigation and water storage that support tribal agriculture and businesses," Baucus said in a press release. "This bill makes good on our century-old commitment to the Blackfeet people, and it's time we get it done and continue fighting for good paying-jobs in Indian Country."

The bill is S.399.

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Bill would ratify Blackfeet water rights compact (The Great Falls Tribune 2/24)