LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Colorado officials have agreed to pay Nebraska $4 million to settle old claims that their state violated a water-sharing compact involving the Republican River.
The settlement announced Thursday requires Colorado to make the payment by Dec. 31, 2018. Colorado officials did not admit to violating the Republican River Compact, and legislators in that state must still approve the funding.
The agreement seeks to resolve disagreements between the states over Colorado's past use of water. The Nebraska governor's office says it will allow both states to continue to work cooperatively.
The settlement bars Nebraska from suing Colorado for alleged violations on or before Dec. 31, 2013.
It was signed by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson as well as Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Attorney General Cynthia Coffman.