Holmquist, won't support CSKT water compact

First let me be clear that this is one Flathead County commissioner’s opinion.

I have been researching information about the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ water rights compact for over three years, and I don’t support the current compact as negotiated. What concerns me most is the compact’s claim to off-reservation water rights.

The Flathead County state legislative delegation has been involved in the hearings and heard the testimony of the stakeholders. I support them in their majority consensus of non-support for the compact as negotiated.

The proposed monetary “contributions to settlement” seem excessive, with $55 million being paid to CSKT from the state of Montana. Even more troubling is that an exact monetary amount from the federal government has not been established yet.

At this time, the Flathead County state legislative delegation is working hard to get the interim committee to address their concerns, and I fully support their efforts. This delegation needs the support of citizens and organizations in Flathead County in their opposition to this compact.

I hope that my fellow Montana county commissioners, legislators and senators will oppose the current compact until an amicable agreement can be reached that protects Flathead County and the water rights of our citizens.

I want to thank everyone for their time and effort in these very important discussions that will have far-reaching effects, not just in Flathead County but the whole state of Montana, as well as neighboring states.

Pam Holmquist, R-Kalispell, is a Flathead County commissioner.