It’s decision time for water compact
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Editor,
The Flathead Joint Board of Control recently hired a lobbyist but did not decide whether she will lobby for or against the Compact in the upcoming legislative session. At this stage a vote against the Compact is in reality a vote for litigation.
Some FJBC commissioners seem to favor litigation; some support the Compact. Others?
Hopefully irrigators and the FJBC will examine the Compact revisions negotiated between the State and the Tribes over the past two months. In order to maintain historical irrigation flows, Increases in instream flows will be phased in as state funds become available to improve water management. A technical team staffed by the State and CSKT and a member appointed by irrigators will direct implementation. Incorporating the project water directly into the Compact, including a delivery entitlement certificate for owners, provides significant legal security for irrigators.
Those favoring litigation have not put down in writing why they think litigation would provide more irrigation water than provided by the Compact. Montana Water Court might not grant all of the instream flows sought by the Tribes, but without the Compact any increase in instream flows from current levels would reduce project water and that water would be subject to call by the Tribes, especially during dry years.
The January FJBC meeting will be crucial a decision point. That meeting must be open to the public with adequate notice. Farmers and ranchers need to let FJBC know whether they want the FJBC and its lobbyist to support the Compact or support litigation.
Dick Erb
Moiese
