Bills would resolve Pioneer-Caldwell fight
“Pioneer Irrigation District and the city of Caldwell could be close to an agreement that would resolve their long-running dispute over stormwater runoff, the use of eminent domain and other issues.
If they don’t, Idaho’s speaker of the House has two bills waiting that could resolve it for them.
Rep. Scott Bedke, a Republican rancher from Oakley, is pushing the two sides to resolve their disagreements, which include an attempt by Caldwell to take a portion of the irrigation district through the use of eminent domain.
The speaker is prepared to take action if they don’t, said Norm Semanko, executive director of the Idaho Water Users Association, which sides with Pioneer.
Both bills would clarify the authority to use eminent domain to condemn property owned by irrigation and drainage entities.”
Ellis, Sean. Capital Press 6 March 2014.