BOISE, Idaho – Leaders of a planned water development project to serve future development of the desert region between Mountain Home and Boise today announced that they have appointed water law specialist Norm Semanko to their project team.
The Elmore-Ada Water Project was funded by public and private investors – including the City of Mountain Home – brought together by the principals of Boise-based consulting firm SPF Water Engineering. The group in November 2008 completed a year-long feasibility study to determine whether available surface water exists in the Snake River to assist landowners and municipal entities in planning and making informed decisions about economic development. The next phase of the project will be primarily devoted to conducting an environmental impact statement, applying for a new water appropriation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources and continuing an extensive community and public outreach to inform stakeholders of the project’s progress.
“Norm Semanko has distinguished himself in water law and public policy and we are strengthened by his presence on the team,” said Bob Taunton, project manager of the Elmore-Ada Water Project. “We look forward to Norm’s legal counsel now that our feasibility study has confirmed that we have a viable project to develop, our owners have reaffirmed their commitment, and Idaho has an opportunity to protect water for our state’s beneficial use that currently is flowing out of state and into the economies of Washington, Oregon and the federal government.”
“I am excited to participate in a project that will increase the reliability of future water supplies for our region, while at the same time protecting existing water rights,” said Semanko. “This is a true win-win scenario.”
Semanko, who in 2008 joined Phoenix-based Rose Law Group / Borton on a part-time basis to help serve the needs of this firm’s clients, has extensive experience representing clients in administrative proceedings before the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the Snake River Basin Adjudication, the Idaho Supreme Court and federal court representing municipal and agricultural clients involved in litigation concerning the Endangered Species Act. He has represented Idaho on the Western States Water Council and is past president of the National Water Resources Association representing members in 17 western states. He also continues to serve as Executive Director and General Counsel for the Idaho Water Users Association.
Semanko is a member of the Eagle City Council and is the chairman of the Idaho Republican Party.
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