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Feds shorted water districts, judge decides in California case

Posted by: Maven on October 9, 2009 at 7:16 am

From the Capital Press:

“A group of California irrigators and other water users will be able to seek damages from the federal government for withholding water due to environmental restrictions.

A federal appeals court has decided the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is liable for breaching contracts with the Stockton East Water District and Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District.

The ruling reverses a lower court’s decision, which found that environmental laws allowed the agency to violate water delivery contracts with the districts.

“We hope the decision shakes things up at the Bureau of Reclamation and makes them take our contract seriously,” said Jennifer Spaletta, an attorney representing the water users. “Money was always a second priority.”

The districts originally sought $500 million in damages, but that is expected to be re-evaluated, she said.

Aspects of the water delivery contracts were unique in this case, but some policy issues may apply to other irrigation disputes in the U.S., she said. …”

Read more from the Capital Press by clicking here.

October 9, 2009 · Filed Under Storage and supply

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