Kansas Seeks Quick Resolution To Water Dispute With Nebraska

Feb. 8, 2008 -- Kansas officials today requested a quick resolution to the ongoing battle with Nebraska over its undisputed overuse of waters from the Republican River.

At the same time, Attorney General Steve Six communicated with Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning that Kansas is seeking “real solutions” and that “we expect concrete tangible actions by Nebraska to cure its overuse of Republican River water.”

“Kansas has been patient in waiting for Nebraska to take concrete action,” Six said. “Nebraska’s failure to comply with the Compact and 2002 Settlement is hurting Kansas farmers and communities. I am committed to protecting Kansas resources and ensuring our state receives our fair share of water.”

Kansas’ top water official asked the Republican River Compact Administration to consider the dispute between Kansas and Nebraska as a “fast-track issue” under the compact’s dispute resolution procedure. The compact administration must address the issue within 30 days unless the states agree otherwise.

“Nebraska has not held up its end of the agreement and has consistently used more that its share of the water,” Six said. “Our goal is to get Kansas farmers and communities the water they need and deserve.”

After working with Nebraska for many years to comply with the agreement, Kansas demanded in December 2007 that Nebraska take immediate action shutting down pumps and paying damages for water overuse.

“As far as we can tell, the plans offered by Nebraska as a solution have done nothing to solve the problem,” Six said. “If Nebraska will not take action, we will ask the Court to impose remedies that ensure Kansans get the water they deserve.”

Source: Kansas Governor

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