Chapter 72. To permit a compact or agreement between the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, respecting the disposition and apportionment of the waters of the Colorado River, and for other purposes
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CHAP. 72.— An Act To permit a compact or agreement between the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, respecting the disposition and apportionment of the waters of the Colorado River, and for other purposes. August 19, 1921. [[H. R. 6877](/us/bill/67/hr/6877).] [[Public, No. 56](/us/pl/67/56).] Whereas the Colorado River and its several tributaries rise within andColorado River. Preamble. flow through or from the boundaries between the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; and 172 Whereas the territory included within the drainage area of the said stream and its tributaries is largely arid and in small part irrigated, and the present and future development necessities and general welfare of each of said States and of the United States require the further use of the waters of said streams for irrigation and other beneficial purposes, and that future litigation and conflict respecting the use and distribution of said waters should be avoided and settled by compact between said States; and Whereas the said States, by appropriate legislation, have authorized the governors thereof to appoint commissioners to represent said States for the purpose of entering into a compact or agreement between said States respecting the future utilization and disposition of the waters of the Colorado River and of the streams tributary thereto; and Whereas the governors of said several States have named and appointed their respective commissioners for the purposes aforesaid, and have presented their resolution to the President of the United States requesting the appointment of a representative on behalf of the United States to participate in said negotiations and to represent the interests of the United States:
Now, therefore, *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, Agreement by designated States for apportionment of waters of Colorado River, consented to. That consent of Congress is hereby given to the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to negotiate and enter into a compact or agreement not later than January 1, 1923, providing for an equitable division and apportionment among said States of the water supply of the Colorado River and of the streams tributary thereto, Federal representative to be appointed.upon condition that a suitable person, who shall be appointed by the President of the United States, shall participate in said negotiations, as the representative of and for the protection of the interests of the United States, and shall make report to Congress of the proceedings and of any compact or agreement entered into, and the sum of $10,000, Expenses authorized. *Post*, pp. 642, 769. *Proviso*.
Approval required.or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized to be appropriated to pay the salary and expenses of the representative of the United States appointed hereunder: *Provided*, That any such compact or agreement shall not be binding or obligatory upon any of the parties thereto unless and until the same shall have been approved by the legislature of each of said States and by the Congress of the United States. Sec. 2. Amendment. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is herewith expressly reserved.
Approved, August 19, 1921.