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Refusal of water compact has serious consequences

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Editor,

Ever wonder what the future will look like if opponents of the water use agreement/compact are successful? Well, here’s a preview of what success will look like for all of us, if they prevail:  

In 2013 or 2014, in-stream flows will increase, as per the warning from the U.S., because of their trust responsibility for CSKT fisheries and their role in the ESA. Increased in-stream flows mean less water for irrigation.  

In 2015, the low-cost block of power for the Flathead River Pumping Plant will expire, as per the FERC license. The current rate is 21 cents per KWH. The rate beginning in 2016 will be at least 42 cents/KWH. Pumping costs will double. The FIIP has spent as much as $400,000 per year in the past. That will increase to at least $800,000 per year if the pumping plant is used to replace irrigation water lost to in-stream flows. Project O&M assessments will have to increase.  

There will be no state and federal money to rebuild the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project. Currently, cement canal linings are failing at an alarming rate. Jocko K Canal, Dry Creek Lining from Tabor (St. Mary) reservoir and the Camas A lining are but a few examples.  Irrigators will pay to repair these from increased O&M assessments.  

Sometime between 180 and 360 days after the CSKT have begun litigation, the CME will cease to exist. Despite establishing an admirable track record in just three seasons, the CME will be dissolved and Bureau of Indian Affairs will resume management of the FIIP.  

Actions have consequences. And these are the consequences of failing to adopt the water use agreement and the compact.  

Approval of the agreement/compact means all these consequences disappear. In-stream flows remain at current levels, pending project improvements. The low-cost block of power is preserved. State and federal dollars repair the irrigation project and put it in good shape for another 100 years. The CME continues to manage the project in the efficient manner it has established in the past three years. What consequences do you want?  

Alan Mikkelsen

St. Ignatius

 

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