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Senate bill would restore temporary water-leasing tool with negotiated protections
Summary
Sen. Sue Vinton presented SB 178 to restore a temporary water-lease mechanism that expired; proponents and opponents described negotiated amendments intended to protect senior water rights while allowing short-term leases for conservation, agriculture and local projects.
Senator Sue Vinton opened the hearing on Senate Bill 178, which updates Montanas code to restore a temporary water-leasing tool that had previously lapsed. "Given the limitations in quantity and duration these temporary uses do not interfere with other water users," Vinton said, summarizing the bills intent to allow water-right holders to offer water for short-term uses without compromising underlying historical rights.
Stakeholders described a package of negotiated amendments intended to protect senior water-right holders while making…
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