From The Yuma Pioneer (Tony Rayl):
Due to delays in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska choosing an arbitrator, and additional delays by Nebraska insisting on an in-person interview with the finalists before they could agree on an arbitrator, Peter Ampe of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, invoked section VII.C.2 of the Final Settlement Stipulation and requested CDR Associates of Boulder, Colorado, to select the arbitrator. Three CDR staff members reviewed the resumes, two that have worked on Republican River issues, and one independent reviewer. All concurred with a recommendation that Martha Pagel should be the arbitrator for Republican River Compact issues. Her experience with groundwater, as former Director of the Oregon Water Resources Department and background as a lawyer and making decisions on technical groundwater issues, qualify her for the position.
Colorado State Engineer Dick Wolfe told the Pioneer earlier this week that the states are close to getting Pagel under contract. Once on the job, she and the states will determine any appropriate modifications to the schedule. “At this time, we do not know the extent the timeline will be affected,” Wolfe said. According to a bio of Pagel found at the web site of the lawfirm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, she is a recognized regional leader in water law and natural resources. She has been named by her peers as an Oregon “Super Lawyer” based on her experience and accomplishments. She is a frequent speaker on water law, natural resources, watershed management and alternative dispute resolution. She also has written several articles about water laws and rights.
Meanwhile…
The Republican River Water Conservation District is holding its regular quarterly meeting Thursday, January 14, at the Burlington Community and Education Center, 340 S. 14th. It is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the agenda items is discussing and receiving input from the public regarding construction of the compact compliance pipeline. The district is seeking input on whether or not to proceed with construction before the pipeline actually receives approval from the Republican River Compact Administration. Kansas and Nebraska each have issues that have been difficult to resolve. Regular public comment is set for 1 p.m. The board is scheduled to vote on authorizing change of use for North Fork surface water rights under lease from the Yuma County Water Authority. It also will discuss applying for change of use on water rights purchased on the South Fork, among other items. Assistant State Conservationist Tim Carney will make a presentation. For further information, please contact RRWCD General Manager Stan Murphy at 332-3553, e-mail at rrwcd@centurytel.net, or visit the web site at http://www.republicanriver.com.