Modrall Sperling Plays Key Role in Historic Water Rights Pact
In an historic agreement among the state of Oklahoma, the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations and the city of Oklahoma City, all parties agreed to resolve the protracted litigation through collaboration and cooperation. The pact outlines water rights in 22 Oklahoma counties. Modrall Sperling, led by Maria O’Brien, has been at the center of the ongoing discussions and litigation for five years. While the 88-page agreement still has hurdles—going before, among other bodies, the U.S. Congress before it becomes final—the parties involved view the collaborative outcome to be a success.
“It is our hope the U. S. Department of the Interior and Congress will approve the agreement during the lame duck session,” says O’Brien, who heads the firm’s Natural Resources and Environment department. “But we are committed to continue working toward finalization as necessary.”
To learn more about this monumental agreement, see the links below:
OKLAHOMAN: Officials reveal details of historic water rights agreement
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Tribes, Oklahoma reach deal on water rights dispute : More than 250 outlets ran AP story including the Washington Post
Native News Online: Momentous water rights agreement reached by the Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, State of Oklahoma and City of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Farm Report: Farm Bureau Hails Water Rights Agreement as Good for Oklahoma Now and In the Future
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