Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
Summary
The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 amends the 2010 Act to improve water management and infrastructure for the Crow Tribe. It repeals a section related to the MR&I System and modifies the Crow Settlement Fund. The Act also establishes a Crow CIP Implementation Account and adjusts funding mechanisms.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely improve water resource management and infrastructure development on the Crow Reservation. It clarifies the use of funds and extends the timeline for certain projects. The changes aim to provide more flexibility and control to the Crow Tribe in managing their water resources.
Potential Benefits
- Improved water infrastructure on the Crow Reservation.
- Increased tribal control over water resource management.
- Clarified funding mechanisms for water projects.
- Potential for economic development through water resource utilization.
- Addresses long-standing water rights issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for delays in project implementation due to administrative changes.
- Federal government has no obligation for operation, maintenance, or replacement of MR&I Projects.
- Possible disputes over the interpretation of the amended Act.
- Risk of cost overruns in MR&I projects.
- Dependence on continued federal appropriations.
Constitutional Alignment
This Act aligns with the federal government's treaty obligations to Native American tribes, as recognized under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) and the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. The Act's focus on water rights and infrastructure development supports the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).