Nebraska Attorney General Bruning Comments on Alleged Damages in Republican River Dispute

4-22-08 -- Lincoln, Nebraska -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning issued the following comment about a letter from the Kansas Department of Agriculture alleging Nebraska owes more than $72 million in damages for 2006.

“While we remain committed to working with Kansas to resolve the compact issues, we’re disappointed to receive a damage claim that has no basis in reality. Kansas’ method of calculating damages was rejected by a special master and the U.S. Supreme Court in the Arkansas River case,” said Bruning.

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Republican River: Photo by Ron Schott (CC)

In 2007, Nebraska used less than its share of water. Water officials expect the same in 2008.

Bruning also said, “We’re confident that the integrated management plans put in place by the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts and the Department of Natural Resources will achieve compact compliance. I especially want to thank the producers in the Republican River Basin who’ve taken the extra step of using up to 30 percent less water than they were allocated over the last few years.”

Nebraska has repeatedly requested that Kansas provide an analysis of any actual damage it has suffered. To date, the state hasn’t received the requested information.

Source: Nebraska Attorney General