3/29/05 One down, one water deal to go

The Nez Perce Tribal Council is expected to vote today on a 193 million-dollar water deal. Governor Dirk Kempthorne signed three bills last week ratifying the agreement. There is dissention within the tribe over the agreement and some tribal members asked for but didn't get a full membership vote. Speaking of votes, the second major water issue of this legislative session is facing House and Senate votes this week, the potential final week of the session. Three bills that are aimed as easing the Eastern Snake Plains Aquifer crisis have already been sent to the House floor. It approved the bills force water users to pay higher fees, require membership in ground water districts for most users and allow for the state to issue bonds to pay for water rights acquisition. Norm Semanko of the Idaho Water Users Association says its best to work out a solution now. SEMANKO "If this thing stays in the administrative arena, if it goes up to the courts, you know you're going to have cases that never been brought before having to be decided and who knows where that will end up." Magic Valley fish hatcheries and irrigation districts with senior water rights have asked the state to give them the water to which they're entitled. The Director of the Water Resources Department will probably announce early next month what actions he'll take if something isn't resolved. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott