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Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025
3/1/2025, 6:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 907
The bill outlines a comprehensive settlement agreement that will provide the Fort Belknap Indian Community with access to water resources necessary for their economic development and self-sufficiency. This settlement will also help to protect the cultural and environmental interests of the tribe, ensuring that their water rights are recognized and respected.
In addition to settling the water rights claims of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, the bill also includes provisions for the implementation and enforcement of the settlement agreement. This includes establishing a process for the tribe to manage and administer their water rights, as well as providing funding for the construction of water infrastructure projects on tribal lands. Overall, Bill 119 HR 907 represents an important step towards resolving the water rights issues facing the Fort Belknap Indian Community. By providing a fair and equitable settlement, the bill aims to support the economic development and cultural preservation of the tribe, while also ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
Congressional Summary of HR 907
Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025
This bill modifies and ratifies a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community of the Fort Belknap Reservation of Montana (i.e., the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes). The bill also authorizes wastewater infrastructure on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana.
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 prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
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.
The bill also authorizes Interior to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain, and replace community water distribution and wastewater treatment facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana.
