Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023

This bill modifies and ratifies a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community (i.e., the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes).

The bill requires the community's water rights to be held in trust for the benefit of the community and its allottees. The community must enact a tribal water code to regulate its water rights.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (as applicable) to enter negotiations with Montana to exchange certain state lands for federal lands to be held in trust for the benefit of the community.

The bill also

• establishes the Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill,
• establishes the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, and
• provides funding for specified accounts established by the bill.

Bill 118 s 1987, also known as the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation that aims to settle water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana. The bill was introduced in the Senate in 2024 and is currently under consideration.

The Fort Belknap Indian Community has long-standing water rights claims that have been the subject of legal disputes for many years. This bill seeks to resolve these claims by providing the community with a certain amount of water rights and resources.

If passed, the bill would provide the Fort Belknap Indian Community with a specified amount of water rights for their use and benefit. This would help ensure that the community has access to an adequate and reliable water supply for their needs. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the establishment of a water rights settlement fund, which would be used to support the implementation of the settlement agreement and provide resources for the community to manage their water rights effectively. Overall, the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 is an important piece of legislation that aims to address long-standing water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana. If passed, it would provide the community with the resources and support needed to ensure access to a reliable water supply for their future generations.