124 STAT. 3104 PUBLIC LAW 111–291—DEC. 8, 2010 (k) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary shall provide tech- nical assistance to prepare the Tribe for operation of the MR&I System, including operation and management training. (l) PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.—The Secretary shall facilitate the formation of a project management committee com- posed of representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Tribe— (1) to review cost factors and budgets for construction, operation and maintenance activities for the MR&I System; (2) to improve management of inherently governmental activities through enhanced communication; and (3) to seek additional ways to reduce overall costs for the MR&I System. (m) NON-FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Prior to completion of the final design of the MR&I System required by subsection (c), the Secretary shall consult with the Tribe, the State of Montana, and other affected non-Federal parties to discuss the possibility of receiving non-Federal contributions to the cost of the MR&I System. (2) NEGOTIATIONS.—If, based on the extent to which non- Federal parties are expected to use the MR&I System, a non- Federal contribution to the MR&I System is determined by the parties described in paragraph (1) to be appropriate, the Secretary shall initiate negotiations for an agreement on the means by which such contributions may be provided. SEC. 407. TRIBAL WATER RIGHTS. (a) INTENT OF CONGRESS.—It is the intent of Congress to pro- vide to each allottee benefits that are equivalent to or exceed the benefits allottees possess as of the date of enactment of this Act, taking into consideration— (1) the potential risks, cost, and time delay associated with litigation that would be resolved by the Compact and this title; (2) the availability of funding under this title and from other sources; (3) the availability of water from the tribal water rights; and (4) the applicability of section 7 of the Act of February 8, 1887 (25 U.S.C. 381) and this title to protect the interests of allottees. (b) CONFIRMATION OF TRIBAL WATER RIGHTS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The tribal water rights are ratified, con- firmed, and declared to be valid. (2) USE.—Use of the tribal water rights shall be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Compact. (c) HOLDING IN TRUST.—The tribal water rights— (1) shall be held in trust by the United States for the use and benefit of the Tribe and the allottees in accordance with this section; and (2) shall not be subject to forfeiture or abandonment. (d) ALLOTTEES.— (1) APPLICABILITY OF ACT OF FEBRUARY 8, 1887.—The provi- sions of section 7 of the Act of February 8, 1887 (25 U.S.C. 381), relating to the use of water for irrigation purposes shall apply to the tribal water rights. Consultation. Establishment.
