Washington governor reaches water deal with tribes

Tuesday, December 18, 2007  

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) on Monday announced agreements to pay two tribes about $5.9 million a year for water usage.

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation reached a final agreement for an initial payment of $3.8 million and $3.6 million annually after the first year. The Spokane Tribe has a tentative agreement for $2.25 million a year.

"The Colville Tribes is very gratified that the governor has worked with us as a co-equal sovereign to come to an agreement that protects our important interests in the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt," Colville Chairman Mike Marchand said.

"Our conceptual agreement will provide major benefits downstream while helping the tribe to address some of the impacts from storage and use of that water on our lands," said Spokane Chairman Richard Sherwood.

Gregoire said the water will provide water to salmon, farmers and cities in the Columbia River Basin. The deals have to be approved by the state Legislature.

Get the Story:
New water agreement reached for Lake Roosevelt (The Tri-City Herald 12/18)
WA gov wants $5.9 million yearly for tribal water help (AP 12/17)
Press Release: Agreements deliver water for farms, cities and salmon in Eastern Washington (Gov. Gregoire 12/17)

$rl Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation - http://www.colvilletribes.com
Spokane Tribe - http://www.spokanetribe.com