CONGRESSMAN DOWNING'S BILL TO EXTEND FORT PECK RURAL WATER SYSTEM AUTHORIZATION SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump signed H.R. 7250 into law, Congressman Troy Downing’s legislation extending authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028. The law allows critical water infrastructure projects across northeastern Montana to continue moving forward.
The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 was enacted to provide safe and reliable municipal, rural, and industrial water through two interconnected systems: the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System. Together, these systems serve tribal and non-tribal communities across Roosevelt, Sheridan, Daniels, and Valley counties.
H.R. 7250 extends the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to support construction of essential water infrastructure serving the Fort Peck Reservation and surrounding communities through December 2028.
"I’m proud that the President has signed my bill, H.R. 7250, into law. This legislation will help keep critical water projects moving forward and provide greater certainty for families and communities across northeastern Montana," said Congressman Downing. "Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the future of this region. I’m grateful to the Montana delegation for working together to get this bill through Congress and signed into law.”
“This is a major win for the Treasure State. Montanans should never have to worry about whether or not their water is safe to drink. Now that President Trump has signed our bill into law, we’ll be able to continue critical construction on water infrastructure on the Fort Peck reservation and throughout the northeast region. I’m grateful for everyone who helped get this bill across the finish line and look forward to seeing the impacts this will have for the health and future of our communities,” said Senator Steve Daines.
“Clean, reliable water is a basic necessity, and Montanans in our rural and tribal communities deserve nothing less. I’m proud to see this commonsense bill cross the finish line, and I thank President Trump for signing it into law so we can keep critical water projects moving forward in Fort Peck and across northeast Montana,” said Senator Tim Sheehy.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman praised the passage of H.R. 7250 and Congressman Downing’s work to strengthen water infrastructure in northeastern Montana.
“Where reliable water flows, opportunity and prosperity follow. H.R. 7250 reauthorizes the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, helping ensure families, farmers, and businesses in northeastern Montana continue to have access to dependable water supplies," said Chairman Westerman. “I commend Rep. Downing for his commitment to strengthening critical water infrastructure and supporting Montana’s future.”
Read the bill HERE.
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