Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, sent a letter to the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Water and Power requesting action on the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, which he sponsored.  On September 22 of last year, that Subcommittee held a legislative hearing, although since then no action has been taken.

“This is an important piece of legislation, and I’ll keep fighting until it’s signed by the President,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Native American Caucus.  “I’ve worked with the Crow to address the concerns that were brought up at last year’s hearing, and it’s only fair to give this bill a chance to be heard at the full committee level.”

Rehberg’s legislation authorizes the federal component of a comprehensive settlement of the reserved water rights claimed by the Crow.  The bill approves the Crow Tribe Water Rights Compact reached between the tribe and other non-federal parties quantifying water rights and authorizing economic development projects.

The Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission was established by the Montana legislature in 1979 to resolve water compacts between the state and tribes.   The Commission and the Crow Tribe negotiated the Crow Tribe-Montana Compact in 1999.  The Montana Legislature ratified a Compact that same year.

“This water settlement is extremely important to the Crow Tribe and to the State of Montana,” said Cedric Black Eagle, Chairman of the Crow Tribe.  “We are deeply appreciative of Representative Rehberg’s efforts to keep this legislation moving as quickly as possible through the legislative process.”

LETTER:

Dear Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member McClintock:  

I am writing to request your consideration of the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3563), which was heard by the Subcommittee on September 22, 2009.  Since that time, the parties to the compact have worked to address concerns raised during the hearing and in subsequent meetings with administration staff.  As such, I urge your action to move this bill through the committee process.

This legislation ratifies the water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana, which was agreed upon in 1999.  H.R. 3563 would help rehabilitate and improve the Crow Irrigation Project, and create jobs and lasting infrastructure for future generations.  Members of the Crow Tribe have long awaited a final resolution, and I urge your action to ensure this bill moves forward in a timely manner.

I respectfully request this bill be brought before the Subcommittee for markup at the earliest available date and referred to the full Committee on Natural Resources for its consideration.  Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,