Bill > S241

This bill provides for the settlement of water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana, addressing multiple aspects of water resource management and land transfers. The bill establishes a comprehensive water rights settlement that includes allocating 20,000 acre-feet of water annually from Lake Elwell, rehabilitating and expanding the Fort Belknap Indian Irrigation Project, and creating multiple trust and implementation funds totaling over $1 billion. The settlement involves land exchanges between the federal government, state of Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community, with approximately 6,000 acres of land to be transferred into trust for the tribe. Key provisions include canceling existing irrigation project debts, establishing mechanisms for water resource management, and providing funds for infrastructure projects like water supply systems, irrigation projects, and environmental restoration. The bill also includes a waiver of certain historical water rights claims by the tribe, but retains rights for future water quality and environmental protections. Additionally, the bill includes a separate authorization of $250 million for wastewater facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe. The settlement becomes effective only after specific conditions are met, including tribal and Montana Water Court approvals, and appropriation of authorized funds.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/241/all-info