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Show primary obligation to abide by the terms of a compact rests upon the consti* tuted authorities of the signatory states. This involves determination by the officials of each state of the interpretation of its terms. Controver- sies among the states on the issue of alleged failure to comply with the terms of a compact or on a question of their interpretation must be resolv- ed by appropriate action in the Supreme Court of the United States. There- fore^ a compact commission*s powers must be limited to those of an adminis- trative character and such poviers for the purpose of enforcement cannot supersede^ expressly or by implication, those of the constituted state au- thoritiesa whose action in this respect* of courses is subject to review by the United States Supreme Court* Failure of state officials to accept the finding of a compact commission and to comport with the rules set up by such a body for the performance of the administrative functions may con- stitute an issue of compact violation* A compact commission in an extra-legal manner may encourage the ad- justment of disputes. Furthermore* a compact may provide for the appoint- ment of commissioners to consider and adjust specified claims or contro- versies > subject to ratification by the legislatureso (See Article VI, Golorado River Compact). In the Colorado River Basing where a compact has been in force for many years, many potential disputes have been amicably adjusted by the "Com- mittee of Fourteen, Colorado River Basin", made up of two representatives ap- pointed by each of the Governors of the seven states of the basin. This com- mittee consults and cooperates with federal agencies« Such a committee may well be set up in basins where there is no compact but where adjustments are in prospect. In this way 5 through the conference methods investigations and studies may be initiated and the position of various state interests under- stood in advance of actual compact negotiations. In recognition of this need the Missouri Valley States Committee was recently formed at Omaha, Nebraska, with Governor M. Qc Sharpe of South Dakota as chairman. The intricate re- lationships of water uses in the Missouri basin involve reclamation of arid landsj flood control, navigation* generation of electric energy, sanitation, and preservation of recreational values and domestic water supplies* The approach initiated in that basin, following the experience of the Committee of Fourteen in the Colorado River Basin, will determine the advisability of a compact and, if one is attempted, should effectively point the way to amicable adjustments* Water compact making in the West offers a fertile field for construc- tive work to advance the development of a great natural resource. If ex- pensive and long-continued interstate litigation is to be averted, joint action by state and federal governments for orderly development encouraged, necessary project construction expedited, and the possibility of some form of centralized federal control on interstate rivers avoided, it is evident; that the states of the arid and semi-*arid regions must be vigilant in the consideration of the advisability of appropriate compact adjustments© -71- |