Kalispell council to talk about tribal water compact tonight

The Kalispell City Council will discuss the proposed Confederal Salish and Kootenai Water Rights Compact during a work session tonight.

Roger Noble of Applied Water will give a presentation on the status of the city’s current water rights, the status of ongoing compact negotiations and future considerations regarding the city’s water supply.

A portion of the controversial compact is being renegotiated, with an upcoming meeting on Sept. 3 in Missoula, and it is expected to be submitted to the Legislature for approval in 2015.

The compact, which would set the stage for adjudicating tribal water rights, failed to win approval of the Legislature in 2013.

Also at tonight’s work session, the council will discuss updating the city’s 1996 Urban Renewal Plan, particularly in regard to the direction that it provides for the city airport.

The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall on First Avenue East.