# Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024
This bill settles long-standing water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana by ratifying a water compact between the tribe and the state. The settlement recognizes the tribe's right to 20,000 acre-feet of water annually from Lake Elwell, plus additional water rights under a compact agreement, and commits federal funding to water infrastructure projects benefiting the tribe and its members.
The legislation affects the Fort Belknap Indian Community (comprising the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes), individual tribal members and allottees, and other water users in Montana's Milk River Basin. The bill authorizes approximately $909 million in federal funding distributed across multiple water development and infrastructure accounts, with the State of Montana contributing $5 million. The funding supports irrigation system improvements, water quality projects, and mitigation work on the Milk River Project. The settlement becomes enforceable once the tribe votes to approve it, the Montana Water Court approves the compact, all authorized funds are appropriated, and required agreements are executed—with a deadline of January 21, 2035 for these conditions to be met or the settlement expires.
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