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Commissioners discuss Brockton sewer engineering gap and pursuing Montana Code change to allow land transfers to tribes
Summary
Commissioners heard that Brockton’s federally funded sewer project needs roughly $130,000 for engineering fees and debated using statute changes to permit transfer of county land to tribes; no legislative action was taken but commissioners said they would seek a legislator to carry a change to the Montana Code.
Roosevelt County commissioners discussed two related items in the March meeting: a funding shortfall for a Brockton sewer project and the county’s effort to enable land transfers to tribes by changing state code.
Commissioner Gordon reported the town of Brockton has a sewer project estimated in discussion at roughly $1.4–$1.7 million funded by federal dollars, but lacks about 10%—approximately $130,000—to cover engineering, design and oversight fees. Gordon said Indian Health Services indicated it would check whether it could provide the engineering funds; commissioners said they expected an answer within a week.
Separately, commissioners discussed county‑owned ‘green’ property (the barber‑shop area). They set a nominal listing price of $1,000 for the parcels and said the properties will be offered via public deed sale on April 6 if no buyer emerges. Commissioners noted that Montana Code (MCA) currently prohibits the county from gifting land directly to tribes. Members discussed pursuing a legislative change in the MCA to recognize tribes as government entities for purposes of land transfer and named local contacts who might carry such a bill to the legislature.
Commissioners and public commenters also discussed cleanup obligations for sold properties. One commenter estimated cleanup costs across several lots at about $400,000; commissioners said county authority to impose post‑sale cleanup stipulations is limited and suggested possible use of brownfield or other funding mechanisms.
No formal vote was taken on legislative action or on providing county funds for Brockton’s engineering gap during the meeting; commissioners said staff would follow up on funding confirmations and possible legislative sponsors.
