Big Sky Times

On July 6, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte issued a formal letter requesting an analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to address declining water levels in Flathead Lake. Urging collaboration, he emphasized the need to explore potential water releases from the Hungry Horse Reservoir to mitigate the negative impact on the region's economy.

"These low water levels present a significant threat to the economic vitality of the region," Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said according to the formal request.

According to a news release issued on July 6, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has taken action to address the declining water levels in Flathead Lake by requesting analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on potential water releases from the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Expressing concern over the negative impact of rapidly dropping water levels on the region's economy, Governor Gianforte emphasized the need for collaboration in a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau.

In the letter dated July 6, Governor Gianforte highlighted the urgency of the situation. "These low water levels present a significant threat to the economic vitality of the region." Gianforte stated. He urged Deputy Secretary Beaudreau to consult with the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other relevant federal agencies to review their authority to release water from the Hungry Horse Project. The governor also expressed the willingness of the State of Montana to assist if a solution complying with federal law and regulations can be identified.

The Hungry Horse Dam, situated on the South Fork of the Flathead River in Montana, plays a crucial role in the Hungry Horse Project. The dam, one of the world's largest at its completion, serves multiple purposes, including power generation, flood control, irrigation, and navigation. It continues to contribute significantly to meeting the region's power needs and providing flood mitigation.

However, in a statement released on July 12 following a meeting of the Technical Management Team, which includes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Governor Gianforte expressed disappointment and frustration with the lack of a formal analysis to support a potential request for a release from the Hungry Horse Project. He emphasized the severity of the drought in the Flathead Valley and called for decisive action, stating, "The drought in the Flathead Valley is a serious issue that requires serious solutions, and I'm disappointed and frustrated that the Technical Management Team isn't shooting straight on this."

Governor Gianforte further urged the federal agencies overseeing the Hungry Horse Project to utilize their data and authority to make an informed decision, rather than evading responsibility. "Ultimately, the federal agencies which oversee the Hungry Horse Project have the data and authority to make an informed decision, and I urge them to use that to act instead of punting their responsibility." Gianforte added.

The governor urged the federal agencies overseeing the Hungry Horse Project to use their data and authority to make informed decisions, emphasizing that they should not evade their responsibilities. Governor Greg Gianforte's call for collaborative action and proper analysis seeks to find viable solutions to protect the economy and natural resources of Montana's Flathead Valley.