Important Issues - Aging Infrastructure

print this page

It is imperative that we provide for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of existing water supply infrastructure. Many facilities are approaching the end of or are past their design life. Sound business practices dictate that this existing infrastructure, and the water supply provided by these facilities, be protected and preserved.

The St. Mary Facilities of Montana's Milk River Project is facing catastrophic failure after operating for over 85 years with only minor repairs and improvements since its original construction.

  Click here to see how the Alliance is getting involved with the St. Mary Rehabilitation Working Group.

 Click here for photos of the Alliance tour with Governor Schweitzer and members of the Working Group.

A Working Group draft of federal legislation would place the burden of funding repairs on the shoulders of the federal government rather than on Milk River irrigators.

 Click here to read the Havre Daily News coverage of this issue.

U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (R – Mont.) announced July 18 that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, at his request, agreed to conduct a Field Hearing in Havre on September 1, 2006.  Chairman Pete Domenici (R – NM) will chair the hearing, regarding authorization legislation for the Milk River project and the failing St. Mary diversion facilities.

 Click here for Senator Burns' press release.

The Alliance board of directors supports Alliance involvement in the St. Mary Facilities project, with an understanding that we will focus on the larger issue of helping state and local efforts to find an innovative solution to this challenging problem.