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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2001

Some Oklahoma residents and lawmakers are questioning why the state is making a water rights compact with the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation.

The protesters say the state shouldn't be signing away half of its rights to the tribes. They also question if selling water to Texas will hurt the state in the long run.

The tribes and the state have been negotiating a compact for several months and have come to a tentative agreement. The State Legislature must approve it before it is finalized.

The tribes were guaranteed rights under treaties signed with the federal government. Litigating those rights is costly and could take years.

The Governor's Water Conference is currently meeting in Oklahoma City.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma's water needs a priority, officials say (The Daily Oklahoman 11/15)
Texas water buyer hails agreement in Oklahoma (The Daily Oklahoman 11/15)

Relevant Links:
State / Tribal Water Compact, Oklahoma - http://www.state.ok.us/~owrb/kiamichi/
state_tribal_compact.htm

Related Stories:
Chickasaw-Choctaw water compact set (11/7)