After almost four years of negotiation, Utah and Nevada are releasing a draft agreement for the management of the Snake Valley groundwater system. The agreement, mandated in 2004 by Congress, concerns the establishment of a cooperative relationship between the two states regarding the allocation and management of the groundwater resources in the valley that straddles the state line.

“This agreement is a fair and equitable sharing of the water resources of Snake Valley,” said Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Director Allen Biaggi. “Most importantly, it protects existing water rights owners in both states and establishes a long-term monitoring program for the valley’s water, air and biological resources.”

The intent of the agreement is to define the water resource management responsibilities of each state, create a framework for cooperation between the states on natural resource issues of mutual interest and provide protections for existing water rights and the health of the aquifer.

The draft agreement and plan may be downloaded at http://water.nv. gov/Hearings/waterhearing/snakevalley/documents/Utah-Nevada%20Snake%20Valley%20Agreement.pdf

Public meetings on the agreement will be held at the following locations:

• Aug. 17, Baker, Nevada, 1 p.m. at the community gymnasium

• Aug. 17, Delta, Utah, 7 p.m. at the Millard County Fair Building, 81 Manzanita Ave.

• Aug. 18, Salt Lake City, Utah, 10 a.m. to noon at the DEQ, Building #2, conference room 101, 168 North 1950 West

• Aug. 20, Las Vegas, Nevada, 9 a.m., at the Southern Nevada Water Authority Board Meeting, Molasky Corporate Center, Southern Nevada Water Authority Board Chambers, 100 City Parkway,