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know who has specific rights to specific amounts of Central Arizona Project water. A little - <br />known aspect of this settlement package also resolved impediments to Arizona's innovative <br />groundwater banking program. In addition, another key aspect of the CAP settlement was the <br />Congressional resolution of litigation over the validity of CAP water delivery contracts. This <br />aspect of the settlement will prove to be particularly important if the drought deepens and <br />shortages are required in the Lower Basin. None of us would want to face uncertainty over the <br />validity of water delivery contracts during a prolonged drought. With the multiple elements of <br />this "global" Arizona settlement in place, we all benefit by knowing the rules of the road for <br />future CAP operations. <br />Credit for completion of this historic legislation goes to all of the Arizona parties that <br />helped craft this complex settlement. The water leaders in Arizona have demonstrated the ability <br />to find solutions that can address the needs of competing interests within the state of Arizona. <br />This type of leadership will be just as essential to address the mainstem challenges we face <br />together. <br />In particular, I would like to also take this time to publicly recognize and thank the <br />primary Congressional supporters of the legislation, Senator Jon Kyl and Senator Pete Domenici. <br />iii. Lower Colorado River Multi- Species Conservation Program <br />The Lower Colorado River Multi- Species Conservation Program is one of our proudest <br />achievements. Just last month, Secretary Norton approved the program. I joined a number of <br />federal representatives along the Colorado River just below Hoover Dam to sign agreements <br />with more than 50 partners from Arizona, California and Nevada. <br />As I said that day, I believe we've established the most innovative Endangered Species <br />Act compliance program on any river system in the nation. For the next fifty years, this program <br />will reduce the uncertainties and conflicts between the needs of species and the needs of farmers <br />and urban water users along the lower Colorado. <br />1 know that Jeff Kightlinger will be providing a detailed review of the MSCP tomorrow <br />morning, but to me, the greatest aspect of the MSCP is that it anticipates operational changes on <br />the Colorado River over the next five decades and puts protections in place now, well in advance <br />of changes in water levels or changes in water use. By doing so, we will have greater flexibility <br />to facilitate additional water transfers that many of us believe will be essential for the Lower <br />Basin's future ability to live within its apportionment. These transfers will prove especially <br />necessary to provide temporary water supplies to the Lower Basin's urban areas during times of <br />prolonged drought. <br />iv. Progress and the Challenges of Implementing the QSA, the Arizona <br />Settlements Act and the MSCP <br />One thing that each of these historic programs has in common is that as hard as <br />constructing or establishing a program is - actual implementation can often prove even more <br />Prepared Remarks - Keynote Address 4 <br />Law of the Colorado River <br />