5 Components of a Compact Negotiation Framewor

• Title: Colorado’s Interbasin Compact Negotiations: Development of an Institutional Framework - Components of a Compact Negotiation Framework
• Date: 12/17/2004
• Author: Russell George, Frank McNulty, Peter Nichols, Eric Hecox
• IBCC - Doc Type: Program Planning, Budget & Contracts

Revised: 7/26/2007
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The Compact Commission will include broad representation incorporating all
the water interests in the state. Most likely these Commissioners would be
appointed, although there could be a n omination (bottom - up) selection
process.
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The role, powers, and processes of the Compact Commission will be
established by legislation. This needs further detail, but could include:

Establish the foundational principals that negotiating basins must agree
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t o (see #3).

Responsibility for appointing basin representatives (see #6).
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Establishing a parallel process for public education and outreach (see
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#7).

Establishing the framework for compact negotiations (see #8).
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Ensuring the availability of technical infor mation and data (see #9).
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Overseeing and ensuring consistency of financial resources (see #10).
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Guiding the shape of the final compacts and the process for
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implementation (see #11 and #12).

6. Basin Representation
Importance
Hydrologic basins are not politi cal entities like states. Therefore, a political framework
for basin representation needs to be created with all interests in the basin represented.
This representation must incorporate all the important interests, but not be so large as to
make negotiat ions unwieldy.

The individual representatives are of critical importance. Representatives must have the
ability to visualize the future as well as have a spirit of trust, harmony, and good will.
Success will depend upon a commitment of all parties and trust among the negotiators to
produce compromises.

Ideas/Suggestions
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Have a set number of representatives from each basin (i.e. three).
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Have a variable number of representatives depending upon the particular interests in the
basin.
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Selection of represen tatives:

Could be appointment from top - down – Representatives appointed by the
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Compact Commission.

Could be a nomination process within the basins (bottom - up).
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Anticipated Course of Action
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Representatives will be appointed by the Compact Commission.
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Consi stency in representation is important and efforts will be made to minimize turnover.

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