Downing’s Bill Supports Quality Water In Area

U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., says the passing of his House Bill is vital for the water supply for much of northeastern Montana.

The legislation to extend authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028 will allow for the completion of the large project. The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 was enacted to provide municipal, rural and industrial water through two interconnected systems in Montana: the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Water System. The project serves both tribal and non-tribal communities across the region.

“It’s a huge project,” Downing said in a phone interview. “It’s definitely meaningful for that part of the state.”

The project features 3,000 miles of pipeline and multiple pumping stations. The representative says only two of the 23 phases of the project still need to be completed.

Downing noted Montanans have come to his office with jars of brown water to demonstrate the unclean drinking water that some residents have to live with in their rural areas.

H.R. 7250 extends the Bureau of Reclamation’s authority to support construction of essential water infrastructure projects serving the Fort Peck Reservation and communities in Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley and Daniels counties from December 2026 through December 2028. The House has already passed the bill. Downing expects it to clear the Senate in the near future.

“I’m just happy we can bring it across the finish line,” Downing said. “One of the biggest issues we have is water. It’s high on my attention right now because there’s such a need in our district.” To address another key need, Downing is working on a comprehensive housing bill. Downing said that having a_ordable housing is critical for communities to recruit professionals such as physicians, nurses and teachers.

He also supports e_orts to bring more funding to Montana for rural health care.

If residents have concerns, Downing urges them to call his Billings o_ce at 406-4136720 or his Washington, D.C. o_ce at 202-225-3211. He said he has team members located in every corner of the district so they know the issues that people are concerned about.