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Senators ask for Cooperation on Aquifer Solution by Associated Press KTVB.com, April 3, 2006

BOISE -- The Idaho Senate is asking opposing groups to cooperate and find a solution to a contentious battle over water rights in eastern Idaho.

Last week the Senate rejected a bill from House Speaker Bruce Newcomb that would have diverted water to refill the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer.

That was after strong opposition from Idaho Power, which said that diversion would take water away from hydroelectric dams used to produce energy.

Today senators asked the Idaho Water Resource Board to find a solution before next year's legislative session.

Republican Senator Don Burtenshaw of Terreton says this is a good time to resolve the matter because there will likely be extra water this year.