Idaho won’t need to call a special session of its state Legislature over Treasure Valley water rights this summer after all.
The Idaho Press reports, House Speaker Scott Bedke, who has been mediating the dispute between Treasure Valley water users and state and federal agencies says, “The parties have agreed to a timetable that does not require a special session, and so they are to be commended for their patience.”
Bedke also praised Idaho Water Resources Director Gary Spackman, who Bedke said “has done a really good job in being flexible as to timetables and offering things that work not only for the state, but also for the water users.”
The parties still are looking for a proposed change in state law with regard to water rights priority when new water-storage facilities are constructed, but decided that issue can wait until lawmakers convene for their regular session in January.
All parties had been scheduled to meet at the Idaho Supreme Court Wednesday for arguments in a series of appeals and cross-appeals in the dispute, but all jointly agreed to vacate that hearing with the settlement in the works.
