FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov.15, 2024
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Patricia Spencer, Communications Supervisor, Water Resources Division, DNRC Patricia.Spencer@mt.gov | (406) 502-8295 |
Casey Ryan, Hydrologist, Natural Resources Department, CSKT Casey.Ryan@cskt.org | (406) 675-2700 ext. 6207 |
HELENA and PABLO, Mont. – Eligible stockgrowers on the Flathead Reservation can now apply for stock water mitigation funding through a targeted grant initiative.
The water compact between the State of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) will result in operational changes at the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP), which will impact off-season stock water availability.
With these changes in mind, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and CSKT announce a new funding program for producers who rely on FIIP for stock water deliveries outside of the irrigation season.
The grant program, developed by the Compact Implementation Technical Team (CITT), will provide up to $4 million in awards. Successful applicants can receive up to $200,000 for reimbursement of eligible projects, including: adding stock use capacity to existing wells or developed springs; and constructing new stock wells, developed springs, stock water conveyance structures, or stock water pits.
Landowners and lessees with FIIP-assessed acres can apply for funding between Nov. 15, 2024, and Jan. 10, 2025. DNRC will provide multiple in-person trainings on the grant application process. Applications will be scored on need, project feasibility and project readiness. Funding awards will be approved by CITT, and award recipients will be notified in March 2025.
Eligible stockgrowers can apply at CITTStockWaterGrant.mt.gov.
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About DNRC: The DNRC’s mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. For more information visit dnrc.mt.gov.
About CSKT: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation adopt traditional principles and values into all facets of Tribal operations and services; invest in our people in a manner that ensures our ability to become a completely self-sufficient society and economy; and provide sound environmental stewardship to preserve, perpetuate, protect and enhance natural resources and ecosystems. For more information visit csktribes.org
Tags: Water-Resources