Montana Title 77. State Lands § 77-4-211. Amortization of investment

(1) In all cases where the lease or license issued by the United States requires the amortization of the investment made in dams, machinery, equipment, and appurtenant works, such amortization requirement shall also apply to that portion of the investment representing the state's part or share in the power site so that the state will at all times retain its full share of ownership in the power site and in the dams, machinery, equipment, and appurtenant works.

(2) If the state lands constitute a separate power site wholly owned by the state and independently developed, the lease or license issued by the state may provide for the amortization of the capital invested in the dam, machinery, equipment, and appurtenant works, not including the distribution system, so that ultimately the state will become the owner of the power site including the dam, machinery, equipment, and appurtenant works, not including the distribution system.