A bill to modify the purposes and operation of certain facilities of the Bureau of Reclamation to implement the water rights compact among the State of Montana, the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana, and the United States, and for other purposes.
Requires the Tribe and the Secretary to enter into an agreement to lease the water allocated to the Tribe for use by the Secretary for the Milk River Project.
Requires, as part of the tribal water right, the Secretary to permanently allocate to the Tribe all remaining unallocated water in Lake Elwell.
Directs the Secretary to carry out such activities as are necessary relating to: (1) planning, design, and construction for rehabilitation and improvement of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project; (2) the completion to authorized acreage of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project; and (3) planning, design, and construction for rehabilitation and improvement of the Four Horns Dam and Reservoir and associated delivery systems of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project.
Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified compact and the Birch Creek Agreement.
Holds the tribal water right in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe.
Establishes: (1) the Blackfeet Land and Water Development Fund; and (2) the Birch Creek Mitigation Fund.
Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) water rights in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; and (2) Milk River water rights.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2807)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 111-741.
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