It is the intent of the Montana Association of Counties to
review and monitor the recommendations of the Environmental Quality Council
that would establish an annual fee for holders of water rights in Montana
WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature has not provided adequate direction and funding for the Water Court to complete the water rights adjudication process in Montana; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that at the current rate of progress it may take as long as 50 years to complete the adjudication process; and
WHEREAS, water rights claimed, but not yet adjudicated may be threatened by water rights holders in other states; and
WHEREAS; the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) has proposed legislation to establish an annual fee to be paid by water rights holders, including all state and federal agencies to fund the completion of the adjudication process; and,
WHEREAS, under the proposed fee schedule, holders of small water rights, typically irrigators and livestock owners will pay approximately 60% of the total fees collected.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana
Association of Counties will monitor the proposed legislation to determine its
effects on county residents and to urge the legislature to find adequate
funding and alternative procedures to complete the adjudication process, other
than charging small water right holders a large fee.
SPONSOR: Districts 1, 2 and 3
RECOMMENDATION: Do Pass
PRIORITY: High
REFERRED TO: MACo Agriculture Committee,
MACo Public Lands
Committee
ADOPTED: Annual Convention, Missoula, MT
September 29, 2004