Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 241
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 241Dams and canalsWater storage
Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 24· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
83MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it seeks to resolve complex and often contentious water rights disputes that have been unresolved for many years. Resolving these issues can bring stability and predictability to water management for both tribal communities and surrounding non-tribal areas, which is vital for local economies, agriculture, and public health in a region where water is a critical resource. If this bill becomes law, it could prevent future legal battles, provide crucial federal funding for water infrastructure, and foster better long-term water planning. If it doesn't pass, these disputes could continue, leading to ongoing uncertainty and potential underinvestment in critical water infrastructure for the affected communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Settles water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the United States (as trustee for the Community).
This aims to resolve long-standing legal disputes over water resources, providing clarity and certainty for all parties involved.
PROVISION 02
Ratifies a specific water rights compact that was previously agreed upon between the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the State of Montana.
This officially approves a negotiated agreement at the federal level, making it enforceable and paving the way for federal support in its implementation.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes federal funds necessary for the implementation of the water rights compact and establishes two dedicated trust funds (Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund and Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund).
Provides the essential financial resources needed to build, maintain, and operate water infrastructure and programs related to the settlement.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the exchange and transfer of certain federal and state lands.
This provision could facilitate the water settlement by adjusting land ownership to support water infrastructure or tribal land base needs.
PROVISION 05
Includes a provision for Blackfeet Tribe wastewater facilities.
Aims to improve critical public health and environmental infrastructure for the Blackfeet Tribe.
Voters should care about this bill because it seeks to resolve complex and often contentious water rights disputes that have been unresolved for many years. Resolving these issues can bring stability and predictability to water management for both tribal communities and surrounding non-tribal areas, which is vital for local economies, agriculture, and public health in a region where water is a critical resource. If this bill becomes law, it could prevent future legal battles, provide crucial federal funding for water infrastructure, and foster better long-term water planning. If it doesn't pass, these disputes could continue, leading to ongoing uncertainty and potential underinvestment in critical water infrastructure for the affected communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Settles water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the United States (as trustee for the Community).
This aims to resolve long-standing legal disputes over water resources, providing clarity and certainty for all parties involved.
high
Ratifies a specific water rights compact that was previously agreed upon between the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the State of Montana.
This officially approves a negotiated agreement at the federal level, making it enforceable and paving the way for federal support in its implementation.
high
Authorizes federal funds necessary for the implementation of the water rights compact and establishes two dedicated trust funds (Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund and Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund).
Provides the essential financial resources needed to build, maintain, and operate water infrastructure and programs related to the settlement.
med
Authorizes the exchange and transfer of certain federal and state lands.
This provision could facilitate the water settlement by adjusting land ownership to support water infrastructure or tribal land base needs.
med
Includes a provision for Blackfeet Tribe wastewater facilities.
Aims to improve critical public health and environmental infrastructure for the Blackfeet Tribe.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Allottee
An individual who holds a beneficial real property interest in a parcel of Indian land, located within a reservation, that is held in trust by the United States government.
Compact
A formal and legally binding agreement, in this case, specifically a water rights agreement between the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the State of Montana.
Lake Elwell
A reservoir created by the Tiber Dam on the Marias River in Montana, part of a federal water management project.
Milk River Project
A large federal irrigation project managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, established to deliver water for agricultural and other uses in Montana.
Fort Belknap Indian Community
The federally recognized Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes who reside on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana.
Fort Belknap Indian Irrigation Project
A specific irrigation system on the Fort Belknap Reservation, built and operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to supply water for agriculture within the community.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
MAR 5, 25
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
COMMITTEE
JAN 24, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 24, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.