Interior Dept. Raises Rates for Native American Water Systems
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is updating the fees for irrigation projects on Indian reservations to cover costs like upkeep and repairs. These changes affect landowners using these irrigation systems and will take effect in 2027. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 22, 2026, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Irrigation Rates Changing for 2027
The Bureau of Indian Affairs proposes new irrigation assessment rates that will take effect for calendar year (CY) 2027 and will apply to people who own or lease land inside an irrigation project’s assessable acreage or who have a carriage agreement. If you want to comment on the proposed changes, you must submit written comments on or before May 22, 2026.
Flathead Project Per-Acre and Minimum Charge Increases
For the Flathead Irrigation Project in Montana, the BIA proposes increases for CY2027: Basic per acre–A rises from $39.00 to $46.00, Basic per acre–B rises from $19.50 to $23.00, and the Minimum Charge per tract rises from $200.00 to $220.00. The notice also proposes changing the parcel-size threshold for the minimum charge from 4.54 acres (2026) to 4.78 acres (starting in 2027).
San Carlos Joint Works Rate Cut and Construction Water Fees
For the San Carlos Irrigation Project in Arizona, the BIA proposes lowering the Joint Works component from $28.00 per acre (2026) to $24.00 per acre (2027). The notice also lists a proposed Construction Water Rate Schedule with fees such as a $300 administrative fee, a $250 per month usage fee for off‑project gravity construction water, $100 per acre-foot for on‑project pump water, and an excess-water charge of $5.00 per 1,000 gallons for use above 50,000 gallons in any one month.
Late-Payment Penalties, Fees, and Collections
If your irrigation bill is past due, interest will accrue from the past-due date at the Treasury-established rate, bills more than 90 days past due may be assessed a penalty of up to 6% per year, each collection attempt carries an administrative fee of $12.50, and bills 120 days past due will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury for further action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15360, Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
2026-14130, Indian Gaming; Approval by Operation of Law of the Wyandotte Nation and State of Kansas Gaming Compact
The Wyandotte Nation and the State of Kansas now have an official gaming agreement that lets the tribe run class III gaming, including sports betting, starting July 14, 2026. Since the government didn’t act within 45 days, the deal automatically got approved by law. This means more gaming options and potential revenue for the tribe and the state, with sports bets placed anywhere in Kansas counting as if made on tribal land.
2026-14057, FY 2026 Job Placement and Training-Native American Technology and Manufacturing Grant Pilot Program (IGNITE: Indigenous Growth in New & Innovative Trade Employment); Solicitation of Proposals
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is launching the IGNITE grant pilot program in FY 2026 to help Native American communities train for cool tech and manufacturing jobs like AI, drones, and construction. Tribal groups can apply for funding to build new workforce programs that prepare people for these future-ready careers. Applications open soon and will be accepted for about 30 days, so get ready to ignite some serious job growth!
2026-13718, Agency Information Collection Activities; Tribal Revenue Allocation Plans
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2026-13701, Indian Gaming; Extension of Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact Between the Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation, California, and the State of California
The Yurok Tribe and California have agreed to extend their gaming compact until December 31, 2026. This means the tribe can keep running their Class III gaming activities without any changes to the current deal. The extension started on July 7, 2026, giving everyone more time to enjoy and manage the agreement smoothly.
2026-12969, HEARTH Act Approval of Caddo Nation of Oklahoma Leasing Ordinance
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