The State of Oklahoma and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, The Chickasaw Nation, and The City of Oklahoma City have reached an agreement that will have significant impact far into the future. When finalized, this agreement will resolve decades of conflict over vital water resources in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma and will establish a cooperative framework for moving forward.
"I have been on the bench for 51 years, but this is an especially proud moment to witness all of these diverse parties coming together to find solutions that are in the best interest of all Oklahomans and my home state. This is without doubt an historic achievement."
The Honorable Lee R. West,
District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma
"We applaud the proposed agreement because it will promote sound water policy by using scientifically based practices to make sure adequate lake levels and stream flows are maintained. This in turn will protect our tourism and recreation economy so critical to the prosperity of our area."
Oklahomans for Responsible Water Policy
"This agreement will help Oklahoma's agriculture industry move forward as we understand water is our state's most important resource. Oklahoma Farm Bureau recognizes and respects the need to responsibly manage this natural resource in the best interest of our state."
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
"Tourism in our area is very important to us, and it's critical to our communities that we keep their economies alive by protecting the water they rely on. And for us to come together and make this a united front, I think is great for our tribal members, it's great for our communities and for our state."
Chief Gary Batton
Choctaw Nation
