In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the Crow Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010, which aims to enhance water delivery and rights for the Crow Tribe. The act facilitates the rehabilitation of the Crow Irrigation Project and the construction of a municipal water system to ensure access to clean drinking water. Key provisions include the identification of water storage in Bighorn Lake and the exclusive rights for the tribe to develop power generation at the Yellowtail After Bay Dam.

Amendments to the act were proposed to transition from a project-based settlement to a fund-based approach, allowing for greater flexibility in delivering clean water. The tribe's recent efforts to construct a water intake facility faced challenges, including a lack of bidders for construction contracts and rising costs due to supply chain issues. The estimated construction timeline of 20 years raised concerns about delayed water delivery to reservation communities, with some potentially waiting years for access to clean water.

The settlement's financial structure was also scrutinized, as it did not include provisions for ongoing operational and maintenance costs, which are typically included in similar agreements. Additionally, the lack of mandatory household hookups along the pipeline leaves uncertainty regarding the number of potential customers.

Environmental concerns were raised by the EPA regarding the location of the water intake unit, which has implications for water quality and treatment requirements. The tribe is advocating for the establishment of a trust account for federal management of funds to support clean water development.

The Crow Tribe expressed hope that the proposed amendments to the Crow Water Settlement Act will be adopted in the current congressional session, emphasizing the urgency of addressing water access issues for their communities.