Pomeroy Introduces Pick-Sloan Tribal Commission Act of 2010

Press Release

Congressman Earl Pomeroy introduced legislation this week to seek a comprehensive approach to resolve problems imposed on the seven Indian tribes whose lands were flooded by the Pick-Sloan Program dams.

"A comprehensive approach to resolving the claims from tribes impacted by the Pick-Sloan program will be a more effective system for ensuring that tribes receive appropriate compensation for their lands," Congressman Pomeroy said. "I look forward to resolving these decades-old disputes about the flooding of land that was destructive to the seven tribes who made their homes along the Missouri River."

The 1944 Flood Control Act authorized the Pick-Sloan Program to stop flooding along the Missouri River as well as for other purposes such as navigation and hydroelectric power. As a part of this plan, five dams were constructed on the Missouri River, which flooded Indian reservation lands, community infrastructure, and prime agricultural and hunting areas. Although tribes received some compensation for the lands, each tribe was compensated differently, and some promises remain unfulfilled.

H.R. 6100, the Pick-Sloan Tribal Commission Act of 2010, establishes a Commission that would hold hearings and study the outstanding issues in order to make final recommendations for a comprehensive resolution of tribal claims related to the Pick-Sloan Program. Cosponsoring the bill with Congressman Pomeroy is Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD). Affected tribes are the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Three Affiliated Tribes, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Santee Sioux Tribe and Yankton Sioux Tribe.

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