07/16/08 Proposed urban-rural encroachment summit

The Pioneer Irrigation District has asked the Idaho Water Users Association to convene a summit to deal with issues that have cropped up between irrigation entities and local governments. Attorney Scott Campbell says it all started when the City of Caldwell began dumping storm water runoff into Pioneer's canals and ditches. So who should attend such a summit? CAMPBELL "Irrigation entities who could potentially be impacted by the issues that Pioneer is facing as well as the cities, counties, highway districts to see if we can come up with some solutions that can be applied statewide." As Pioneer's lawyer, Campbell says members of the legislature, governor's office, federal agencies and the congressional delegation need to attend such a meeting. Campbell says better to solve these complex issues now than to end up in court. CAMPBELL "I would much rather see a good settlement for a client than a protracted litigation because while it helps my pocketbook it doesn't help the client." If a summit is set up, we'll let you know when and where it will be held. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott