Stakes too high to rush water compact vote

Some say it will utterly destroy farming, ranching, lives and land values in northwestern Montana. Others argue there’s nothing to fear in the massive Salish-Kootenai water rights compact. Both sides agree the economic implications are perhaps the largest we will see in our lifetime. But there is strong disagreement over whether those outcomes will be good or bad.

In either case, billions of dollars in future land values and water rights are on the line. In addition, anywhere from $50 million to $1.5 billion in state and federal tax dollars may be required in payment to the tribes. Advocates are pressuring the Montana Legislature to sign the deal into law within the next few weeks. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is understandably anxious for approval.

It is true this compact has been years in the making. An agreement must be reached. Unfortunately, it was only three weeks ago that the compact commission was ready to forward the 1,000-plus-page, highly intricate proposal to the state legislature for our approval. As of this writing, we still have not received the completed document or seen the accompanying bill.

With only a few short weeks remaining in this year’s busy legislative session, it will be impossible for legislators to read the full agreement, understand the consequences, sort through the arguments and make a responsible yes or no vote on this extremely vital decision.

Unlike most legislation, this decision will be permanent. We will not be able to make future adjustments like we typically do with other laws. Once ratified, this agreement will be forever binding upon our state, nation and CSKT. All parties must exercise extraordinary caution.

At this point, few have read the lengthy compact, and even fewer understand it. Those who have strongly disagree over the projected outcome. Many irrigators say the reduced allotment of water will ruin farming operations and drive down land values. The tribes say the allocations will be sufficient.

Compared to other compacts, this one is incredibly complex. It includes massive amounts of water, unprecedented tribal water rights extending well beyond the reservation boundary, and a new system of water allocations that separates some water rights from deeded land. To further complicate matters, a recent court ruling determined a major element of the compact is unconstitutional.

Only one thing is certain — this is a big deal unlike any we have seen before.

The Legislature and the public need time to analyze this very important agreement and give it the due diligence it deserves.

That’s why I’m supporting Senate Bill 265 to extend the compact deadline. If corrections or clarifications are warranted, we will have time to seek thoughtful adjustments during the interim. If it truly is a good compact, it will be easily approved in the next legislative cycle. At least by then legislators will know more about the obligation we are being asked to permanently render upon present and future generations of Montanans.

In closing, I will continue to support the efforts of the tribes to secure their rights and improve their communities. But I cannot vote in favor of a binding agreement of this magnitude without reading the document and being certain of the ramifications it will have on all the people I represent.

Rural Montana cannot afford another economic setback. The stakes are way too high for a rushed decision. We must extend the compact commission deadline to allow adequate time for review.

Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, represents Senate District 7.