Passing compact ensures water use
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
Given the complexity, variety of opinions, and personal interpretations, it’s easy to become confused about the water compact. I attended the Water Stewards lunch and hearing from farmers, business leaders, bankers, and Montana government officials was enlightening.
Some highlights:
• Montana will not pay for or help to pay for any litigation for individual farmers or ranchers if the compact doesn’t pass - straight from the Attorney General’s office and made abundantly clear.
• Wells will not be monitored. A well can only be monitored is if there is a dispute, which has to go through a legal process before monitoring can occur.
• Secretarial right holders have different options, as they are not being addressed in the compact. If it has gone through the process to make it a state right, then one can choose to: do nothing and perhaps someday have a call put on their water, or can join with the compact and have a guarantee that their water will never be called.
• Water will not be measured at every farm, head gate, or weir. It will be measured when it first leaves the project canal, then it is up to project managers to ensure that people are getting their share.
• Water levels have been rigorously studied, and while they will be set at the beginning with enough water to grow a rotation of crops, there will be a ten-year refinement period that goes hand in hand with improvements.
The realtors at my table said that deals were already falling through; bankers noted that without the compact, getting agricultural loans will be more difficult; farmers discussed the need for project improvements, and how the guaranteed money would help.
This issue is contentious and I am glad to be informed with the facts. The next generation of farmers and ranchers who will call this valley home depend on us to ensure they have water. Passing the compact will do this. I urge all of you to inform yourself with unbiased information vetted by numerous water rights attorneys and make up your own mind at montanawaterstewards.com
Laura Ginsburg
St. Ignatius
