WASHINGTON — Legislation updating the Crow Tribe’s water-rights settlement has cleared Congress and is headed to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Steve Daines and backed in the House by Rep. Troy Downing, passed the Senate after clearing the House last week.
The measure would modify the tribe’s existing water settlement to give the Crow Tribe greater flexibility in developing water infrastructure on the reservation.
“This bill is a necessity for the Crow Tribe and surrounding communities and will ensure the tribe has the resources they need to deliver safe, reliable access to clean water to the reservation,” Daines said.
The legislation also extends authorization for the tribe to develop hydropower at the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam through 2030.
Downing said the changes would help keep long-delayed infrastructure projects moving forward.
“This legislation gives the Crow Tribe greater flexibility to develop critical water infrastructure and keep long-overdue projects moving forward on the reservation,” Downing said.
The original Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 resolved the tribe’s federal water-rights claims and authorized $460 million for construction of a tribal water system.
The new legislation shifts the settlement toward a fund-based approach rather than tying funding to specific projects, according to Daines’ office. Supporters say the change will provide the tribe with greater discretion in completing water infrastructure and energy projects.
By: DNU Newswire