Members of the Blackfeet Tribe and the Bureau of Reclamation met in Browning, Mont. on Thursday, March 14 to sign the first phase of the MR&I contract with a focus on the Heart Butte Water Tank.
BROWNING, Mont. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the Blackfeet Tribe convened in Browning, Montana on Thursday, March 14, to sign the inaugural phase of a pivotal contract. This first landmark contract, valued at $2.2 million, is dedicated to the Planning, Design, and Construction of the Municipal, Rural, and Industrial (MR&I) System, with a specific focus on the Heart Butte Water Tank.
The contract agreement is to strategize, design, and implement essential components of the water diversion and delivery infrastructure within the Blackfeet Nation. This endeavor aims to bolster water access and distribution across the tribal lands, benefiting both residents and industries.
Crucially, this project traces its origins to the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement, outlined in Public Law 114-322. Passed in 2016, this comprehensive settlement seeks to equitably resolve longstanding water rights claims in Montana. By securing a sustainable water supply, the Blackfeet Tribe and the United States jointly strive to enhance the well-being of tribal members and allottees.
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