TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Colorado has agreed to pay Kansas $2 million in a settlement resolving claims regarding Colorado’s past use of water under the Republican River Compact.
Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer said in a news release Friday that the settlement is an investment in the basin to ensure a better future for Kansas water users.
The Republican River Compact allocates the waters of the basins between the states of Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.
Under the provisions of the settlement, Kansas agreed to pursue “a good faith effort” to spend the money Colorado paid for the benefit of the South Fork of the Republican River Basin within Kansas.
Colorado also agreed to pursue an effort to spend an additional $2 million by 2027 in the basin within Colorado.