After years of battling drought conditions, the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas has decided to go to court.
The tribe filed a lawsuit in federal court against local, state and federal officials. It accuses them of hindering a reservoir project that would bring water to the reservation.
For the last few years, the tribe has been pressing the Bureau of Indian Affairs for help. The agency has been putting off a decision whether to exercise eminent domain on land needed for the reservoir.
The tribe says local officials aren't doing enough to advance the project either. A water board has delayed a decision on eminent domain proceedings.
The lack of adequate water has forced the tribe to haul water. Drought conditions have contributed to wildfires.
Get the Story:Kickapoos hope lawsuit will bring about reservoir (The Topeka Capital-Journal 6/16)
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Water miseries spur tribe�s suit (The Kansas City Star 6/16)
Kickapoo Tribe files lawsuit over chronic water problems (AP 6/15)
Kickapoo Tribe Files Suit Over Water Quality (KMBC 6/15) Relevant Links:
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas - http://www.kickapoonation.com Related Stories:
Editorial: Action needed on Kickapoo water crisis (08/02)
Editorial: Fire proves Kickapoo Tribe in need of water (03/16)
Drought-ridden Kickapoo Reservation hit by fire (3/15)
Editorial: Deadline needed on Kickapoo water crisis (02/01)
Kickapoo Tribe still looking to resolve water woes (01/24)
Anderson meets with Kickapoo Tribe over water woes (05/14)
Kickapoo Tribe asks BIA for help on reservoir (05/07)
Vote delayed on water project for Kickapoo Tribe (01/22)
Kickapoo Tribe pushing for critical water project (1/20)
Kickapoo Tribe prepared for another drought situation (01/13)
Kickapoo Tribe down to last drop of water (08/21)
Kickapoo Reservation facing severe drought (8/18)
Kickapoo Tribe still waiting on water project (02/24)
Kansas looks to Kickapoo for water (8/17)
Kickapoo Tribe part of water proposal (7/31)
Kickapoo Tribe pushing water project (6/11)
Tribe managing limited water (12/7)
Kickapoo water discussed (10/26)
Rain misses reservation (10/24)