Montana § 85-1-224 - Contracts With State Agencies And Counties
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 85-1-224 — Contracts With State Agencies And Counties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 85-1-224. Contracts With State Agencies And Counties
Contracts with state agencies and counties. (1) A state agency or the boards of county commissioners having jurisdiction over any lands which may require the use of any water or water rights owned or controlled by the department or the United States or its agencies may enter into: (a) such contracts as are necessary with the department, the United States, or agencies of the United States or others for the purchase of water or water rights needed for those lands; and (b) any contracts as necessary or expedient, similar to contracts executed by individuals or others, to secure for the state, state institutions, counties, and state school and county lands the benefits of the water or water rights, which obligations may be similar to those of persons who become stockholders in corporations or who may agree to purchase and pay for water for irrigation purposes. (2) These contracts may include agreements that the state and counties shall be subject to the same charges and payments as are other water users within the projects; however, none of those charges, payments, or costs shall constitute a lien against the state's interest in the lands. (3) The obligations provided for in this section to be incurred upon behalf of the counties and the state shall not be in the nature of general obligations by either said counties or the state of Montana but shall constitute liens only upon such water or water rights purchased for the benefit of such lands.
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 85-1-224
What does Montana Code Annotated § 85-1-224 cover?
Section 85-1-224 ("Contracts With State Agencies And Counties") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 85-1-224?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 85-1-224" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 85-1-224 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.