“As the Colorado River navigates a
1,500-mile journey down mountains through canyons and across desert landscapes, you have
navigated the shoals of history,” Kempthorne said in addressing the meeting.
“You have steered around the cataracts and sharp boulders of litigation and acrimony.
You have found the serene waters of partnership and cooperation. ...
“This is the most important agreement among
the seven basin states since the original Colorado River Compact of 1922,” said
Kempthorne, noting that his decision memorializes “a remarkable consensus” not
only to solve current problems but also to prepare ahead of time for future droughts or
surpluses rather than resorting to disruptive litigation."
