FJBC considers appointing rep to compact team
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ST. IGNATIUS – The Flathead Joint Board of Control discussed the possibility of appointing a representative for the irrigators to the Compact Implementation Technical Team (CITT) at the last regular board meeting.
After the Montana Legislature ratified the CSKT Compact earlier this year, the parties were required to create a team to oversee the project. According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation the CITT is a group tasked with advising the operations of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project including rehabilitation and improvements once the Compact is ratified by the United States Congress.
Another group called the Compact Management Committee (CMC) will be in charge of the CITT. The CMC will provide administrative oversight and policy over the project. Official positions were appointed as of Aug. 12. John Tubbs, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation director, will serve as the state of Montana’s CMC team member. Ethan Mace, DNRC surface water hydrologist, will be the CITT state representative. The first meeting is anticipated this fall.
The FJBC debated whether appointing a representative to the CITT would show support for the Compact, and some said the project should wait until the Compact is ratified in congress, although it was also stated that having someone on the CITT would help keep the board informed. The issue was tabled until the next regular board meeting.
In other business, the FJBC voted to send a delegation team to Washington D.C. to present their views to government officials including Governor Steve Bullock concerning their opposition to the Compact.
“We don’t think they’ve heard our story,” said Jerry Laskody, board member.
The board hasn’t set a date for the meeting but hopes to send three delegates and one attorney within the next six weeks depending on when officials are available. Laskody said after the board meeting that the trip would allow board members to talk about issues they have with the Compact. The board plans to put together a presentation outlining their views for the meeting.
