HELENA, Mont. (June 25, 2024) – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) expressed their ardent support for the explicit passage of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement of 2024 (S. 1987) to House of Representatives leadership on Tuesday.

Following the failure of the St. Mary Canal Siphon last week, Senator Tester, in partnership with Senator Daines, introduced S. 1987 providing $275 million to rehabilitate the Milk River Project. It passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the House. In a letter to House leadership, MSGA urged a short timeline for a vote and passage of the bill in order to allow the funding to be put to work in north-central Montana as quickly as possible.

The letter noted, “The $275 million to fully address the current emergency, rehabilitate, and restore the St. Mary Canal to its full capacity will have a positive impact on ranchers across the Hi-Line and will create a sustainable water supply for the Milk River.”

Upon passage of the bill in the House and a signature from the president, the funding will go directly to the Bureau of Reclamation who is working closely with local officials to develop both short and long term plans of action.

MSGA will continue to work closely with the Montana Congressional Delegation and producers, to support a rapid and efficient response to the catastrophic failure of the siphon.

To learn more about the Montana Stockgrowers Association visit www.mtbeef.org/news. ###

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
[email protected]
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news