Crapo: Idaho Statehouse Site Of Water, Salmon Talks Beginning Saturday

Boise - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will sit down face-to-face with Idaho water users, salmon advocates and environmentalists, federal agency leaders, state legislators, and others on Saturday at the Idaho Statehouse to begin talks aimed at resolving conflicts over Idaho water relative to salmon recovery. At Crapoâ??s request, four conservation groups temporarily dropped plans for a lawsuit over water for salmon. Idaho water user and agricultural coalition leaders have agreed to join Crapo at the table for discussions aimed at avoiding that lawsuit.â??These are going to be difficult negotiations and no one should expect quick agreement,â?? Crapo said from Washington, DC in preparing to return to Idaho tomorrow. â??But these issues are so critical to our stateâ??s future that we must make the effort. I am encouraged both sides have agreed to come to the negotiating table so we can identify our common ground on these issues. I also note representatives of the state and federal agencies involved will join us in these talks.â??Crapo cautioned that it is unlikely that agreements will be made in sessions this Saturday and more discussions are anticipated. The negotiations will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday in the 3rd floor offices of the Idaho Legislature inside the Idaho Statehouse. They are expected to run into the afternoon. The sessions are closed to the public and media, but members of all represented groups may be available following the meetings to discuss the dayâ??s events.Crapo will discuss the water and salmon talks on satellite and radio feeds today :1:45-2:15 p.m. Mountain Time/ 12:45-1:45 p.m. PacificGalaxy 3 (C-Band) Transponder 7 HorizontalDownlink Frequency 3840Standard Audio# # #FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. If you encounter any difficulties with the system, please contact Susan Wheeler at the above number. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://crapo.senate.gov or www.senate.gov/src/radio/crapo.