| OCR Text |
Show SNAKE RIVER COMPACT 311 "In its report on S. 3159 the Public Lands Committee of the Senate expressed the view that the compact method is the logical and proper manner to settle interstate water controversies. With this view I am in accord but I am also mindful that compact provisions, which are subject to misinterpretation or leave in doubt the respective rights and interests of the United States and the affected States, serve to impair these rights. It is obvious therefore, that the compact method places upon the compact commissioners the important responsibility of draw- ing compacts in specific and unequivocal language, devoid of all pos- sible ambiguity, and which do not attempt to define, limit or other- wise determine the extent of the powers to be exercised by the United States which is a matter for determination by the Congress through Federal legislation as required. "The importance of insuring that future compacts more adequately reflect a clear recognition of the respective responsibilities and pre- rogatives of the United States and the affected States, I believe is readily apparent. In formulating provisions of interstate water com- pacts, which impose restrictions upon use by the United States of waters in the streams concerned, the responsibility for protecting the rights and interests of the United States rests in the first instance upon those appointed to represent the Federal Government in nego- tiations with the State compact commissions. The Federal Repre- sentatives also are in a position to assist the compact commissions in avoiding further use of questionable or conflicting provisions similar to the aforementioned, in order to minimize the possibility of dis- approval of the compact by the State legislatures or the Federal Gov- ernment, or the later possibility of prolonged and costly litigation. "F. J. Lawton "Director" Prior negotiations.-The text of an earlier Snake River Compact, negotiated by representatives of the two States and of the United States but ratified only by Idaho (Act of July 1, 1933 (Gen. L. 1933 (E.S.),p. 29)), follows: "Whereas, The Congress of the United States of America, by resolu- tion duly passed and designated as Senate Joint Resolution No. 148, gave its permission to the States of Wyoming and Idaho to enter into a compact or agreement respecting the disposition, distribution and apportionment of waters of the Snake River and its tributaries be- tween the States of Wyoming and Idaho, and providing for the President of the United States to appoint a Commissioner to act with a Commissioner appointed by each of the States of Wyoming and Idaho, to negotiate such compact or agreement and providing that said compact or agreement should not become binding or obligatory upon any of the parties thereto unless and until the same should be ratified or approved by the Legislature of each of the said States and by the Congress of the United States; and "Whereas, The State of Wyoming and the State of Idaho, the United States consenting and approving, desire to enter into an agree- ment or compact to provide for the acquiring of water rights and the building of reservoirs, dams, ditches and other diversion works by citizens of each of the respective states within the boundaries and |
