January 8, 2007

Rehberg Meets with Dan Belcourt of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation to Discuss Regional Water System

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met this week with Dan Belcourt of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation to discuss funding for the Rocky Boy’s/North Central Montana Regional Water System. 

“Every Montanan deserves good, clean drinking water,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “However, in many parts of rural Montana this is not the case.  The North Central Montana project is a cooperative solution to providing fresh water to the folks living in and around Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.”

The North Central Montana Regional Water Authority (NCMRWA) is comprised of thirteen public entities, all of which have signed an Interlocal Agreement creating the Authority.  This rural water project was jointly developed with the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and was authorized in December 2002.  The project area covers approximately 10,700 square miles in north central Montana and will benefit approximately 30,000 Montanans.

Last week, the House passed legislation to complete the nine remaining spending bills for 2007.  Roughly $6 million for funding construction of the North Central Montana Water Project was not included.

“We have started construction and need to see the project move forward if we are going to bring cleaner water to North Central Montana and the Rocky Boy’s Reservation,” said Dan Belcourt.  “To move forward will require appropriations and we heard from our federally elected officials this week that they will be working to make that happen. This was good news.”

           “East Coast politicians don’t understand the needs of rural Montanans,” said Rehberg.  “This project would provide a huge service for local residents.  As Montana’s sole member on appropriations, I’ll continue to work hard to bring the necessary funds to this important project.”