Senate to consider water compact ratification

Sen. Jon Tester announced Thursday he is introducing the controversial Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes Water Compact for ratification by the United States Senate.

“The CSKT Water Compact will provide certainty for all water users, and provide an economic boost to northwest Montana,” Tester said. “I am proud to join the farmers and ranchers, landowners, small businesses, sportsmen, families and tribal members who support this legislation.”

The compact, passed by the Montana State Legislature and signed by Gov. Steve Bullock last year, ratifies a negotiation between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and state and federal governments regarding rights to water use in northwestern Montana. It was renegotiated after a version failed in the 2013 Legislature with the biggest change guaranteeing farmers and ranchers will always receive, at a minimum, their current levels of water. The renegotiated version also includes a requirement for the tribes to share non-irrigation water during shortages or droughts.

Sen. Chas Vincent, proponent of the bill in Montana’s legislature, said Tester’s introduction represents a necessary step in the process of formalizing water rights in Montana.

“The introduction of the CSKT Compact is an important next step in moving this negotiated settlement forward to give Montana’s water users the certainty and protection they deserve,” he said. “Introduction will allow the CSKT and the Department of the Interior to begin discussing the federal obligations and commitments that congress will be considering.”