Chenoweth Questions Compensation Plan To Repay Indians For Lost Water Doesn’t Sit Well With Congressman

Congressman Helen Chenoweth is questioning the role Idaho’s Indian tribes should have when it comes to federal compensation for lost water.

During a swing through Lewiston on Monday, Chenoweth reiterated her opposition to the plan under which the Bonneville Power Administration will compensate the state and the Nez Perce Tribe wildlife habitat lost when Dworshak Reservoir near Orofino was filled.

“I’m not sure the Indians have a place at the table for compensation of loss of Idaho’s water,” the freshman Republican said.

“In the treaties, we gave the Indians equal status, and while the white person’s rights to fish and hunt have been curtailed, the Indian’s rights to fish and hunt have not been curtailed.”

As it has on any number of issues during her six months in office, Chenoweth’s position was at odds with those of other state GOP leaders, including Gov. Phil Batt.

Batt has given the compensation plan his full endorsement, calling it an example of how the state has a major role in determining the outcome of federal programs implemented in Idaho.

Chenoweth has opposed the deal because of its potential impact on private property rights and the local economy and has said she intends to continue monitoring the situation.

Signed three years ago by tribal, state and federal officials, the plan establishes a $7.1 million trust fund for the Nez Perce Tribe and just over a $3 million trust fund for the state Fish and Game Department to enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat affected by the dam’s construction.

Some 17,000 acres was inundated when the reservoir filled.

In addition, the BPA is transferring ownership to the Fish and Game Department of 60,000 acres on Craig Mountain in Lewis and Nez Perce counties and 130 acres of old-growth timber rights on Buck Creek.

An advisory committee will allow citizens to have a say in setting up the management plan under the compensation package.