CSKT Water Compact goes to court

The Montana Water Court heard oral arguments on various pending motions on Nov. 14 and 15 at the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula. All counsel and representatives of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes business corporation, the State of Montana, the United States of America (collectively the “Compact Parties”), and various objectors identified in prior Court orders, were present.

The Compact Parties filed a Motion for Approval of the Flathead Reservation Compact and for Summary Judgement Dismissing All Remaining Objections (Case No. WC-0001-C-2021) on July 10, 2024.

This is far from being a deal done, in my opinion. You may recall, there were nearly 1,000 qualified objectors who originally filed against the pending CSKT Water Compact “Final Decree,” which is actively being adjudicated through the Court. The Compact Parties met with objectors that came prepared, many of whom sought to move the Court to reject the CSKT Water Compact. 

Many thanks to the objectors who remain steadfast to protect water-right interests of their own along with the interests of the public-at-large. A video recording of the second day is available where objectors Linda Sauer, Walter Congdon, Rick Schoening, Rick Jore, Kathleen French, Senator Keith Regier, Paul La Marche and Bradley Tschida gave their testimonies and rebuttals. 

History is in the making. Three parts exist, starting with part 1 being available for online viewing at https://youtu.be/adHEDdWLEpk , followed by parts 2 and 3.

– David Passieri, Ronan