Press Releases

Rep. Rosendale’s Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act Receives Hearing

Washington, July 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) joined the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, where he spoke on his bill: H.R. 7240 - Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024.

Congressman Rosendale’s bill would affirm the Fort Belknap Indian Community’s water rights, settle water rights damages against the United States, and provide essential mitigation for non-Indian water users, especially in light of the catastrophic St. Mary’s Canal failure of a siphon in the Montanan community of Babb.

Click the image below to watch full remarks:

“The Fort Belknap Water Rights Settlement is a significant milestone that Montanans have been working on for over 20 years, providing crucial upgrades to the water systems across the Hi-Line and for the tribes,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Importantly, this bill will settle the Fort Belknap Indian Community’s claims against the United States for its failure to protect, manage, and respect the community’s water rights. I am extremely pleased that we finally have a full consensus throughout the entire state regarding this important bill and want to emphasize its importance to all of Montana.”