Downing Introduces Legislation to Bolster Water Infrastructure on the Fort Peck Reservation

Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced a bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System Act of 2000.

“Water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Montana’s tribal communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Congressman Downing. “I’m proud to lead this bill in the House and work alongside Senators Daines and Sheehy to deliver for Indian Country.”

Read text of the bill here.

Background

• The Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System Act of 2000 was first enacted to allow for joint management of two interconnected water systems—the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Water System.

• Congressman Downing’s bill would permit the Bureau of Reclamation to continue constructing and maintaining essential water infrastructure on the Fort Peck Reservation from December 2026 to December 2028.

• Senators Daines and Sheehy introduced companion legislation earlier this month.

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