[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SAFE DRINKING WATER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAT WILLIAMS

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to ensure a 
safe and reliable water supply system for the residents of the Fort 
Peck Reservation in Montana.
  This legislation would authorize a reservation-wide municipal, rural, 
and industrial water system for the Fort Peck people living on that 
Reservation. This bill also provides final quantification of the water 
rights of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in northeastern Montana. It 
also protects the rights of non-Indian water users existing since 1985, 
establishes a joint tribal State board to resolve disputes and allows 
for water marketing outside of the reservation to Montana communities.
  The future needs of the reservation are expanding. The solution to 
this is a reservation-wide pipeline that will deliver a safe and 
reliable water supply system to the residents. A similar system for 
water distribution is currently in use on a reservation in South 
Dakota.
  Mr. Speaker this legislation is an important step in the tribes' 
effort to secure and build a water system and realize the benefit of 
the compact the tribe negotiated in good faith with the State of 
Montana and the United States.

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