The state of Montana has paid out more than $1.8 million to jump start improvements on the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project–work that was long envisioned under the terms of the CSKT water rights settlement.

State, tribal, federal, and irrigation project managers met recently to discuss ongoing and planned operational improvements, such as improved water measurements and on-farm efficiency projects. The group–known as the Compact Implementation Technical Team–advises the irrigation project operator about getting the terms of the compact into reality, eventually ensuring that project water meets all legal uses and results in more instream flows in Flathead Indian Reservation creeks.

The 626-foot long concrete chute at Pablo. (csktwatercompact.com)

Operational improvements currently include the Jocko K headworks, Pablo 31A chute replacement, and the Falls Creek Diversion replacement. The compact also calls for other improvements, such as water supply planning, reservoir and instream flow management, water accounting and reporting, stockwater delivery, and irrigation wastewater, and improved measurements. Current and upcoming projects are listed at the project website, csktwatercompact.com. Major “rehabilitation and betterment” projects, including upgrades to improve water management and operational controls, reducing conveyance losses, lining or piping open canals, will be constructed in the coming years.

The Montana Legislature approved the compact in 2015; Congress followed suit in 2020. The state of Montana has agreed to a $55 million contribution to the water rights settlement. The federal government has promised an additional $1.9 billion. All water rights on the reservation will be administered by the Flathead Reservation Water Management Board.