Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Dorgan Introduces Bill Seeking Resolution of Impacts from Pick-Sloan Dams

Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) has introduced a bill that would seek a comprehensive approach to resolving problems imposed on seven tribes whose lands were flooded by the Pick-Sloan Program dams, a press release issued by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs announced on July 27.

The 1944 Flood Control Act authorized the Pick-Sloan Program to stop flooding along the Missouri River, yet it had other purposes, like navigation and hydroelectric power. It resulted in five dams being constructed on the river, which ended up flooding tribal lands, including community infrastructure and agricultural and hunting areas.

While the tribes received some compensation, each was compensated differently. For several decades, Dorgan said, the federal government has fielded claims from tribes that were impacted, but it has never had a comprehensive approach to resolving them.

The legislation, named the “Pick-Sloan Tribal Commission Bill,” would establish a commission that would hold hearings and study the outstanding issues in order to make final recommendations to Congress and the Administration for a comprehensive resolution of the tribal claims.

1 comment:

  1. when will the land owners receive pick sloan payments i have been waiting since 1973 past awards keep getting loop holed and stolen. certain members at standing rock have legally stolen pick sloan awards money that belongs to us land owners.

    ReplyDelete