ST. IGNATIUS — Last week it was announced that the Jocko Valley and Mission irrigation districts intend to split from the Flathead Joint Board of Control in September, effectively dissolving the regulatory board for area irrigators.

The schism comes on the heels of a tumultuous year for the FJBC, as its membership was sharply divided over issues related to the failed water compact discussed for the Flathead Reservation. Tensions from the dispute over the negotiated agreement spilled into recent board elections.

In both the Jocko Valley and Mission districts, irrigation officials voted 2-1 in favor of breaking away from the FJBC in separate meetings on Friday.

Jerry Johnson, chairman of the Mission district, says that the move is economically motivated.

“In my mind, it’s a financial deal. It gives us security,” said Johnson. “The big thing is if this goes to litigation, with the split-off of the Jocko Valley and the Mission, we won’t have to help pay for that stuff.”

Johnson added that the newfound independence will also free Jocko Valley and Mission irrigators from sharing the cost of pumping water from the Flathead River – a practice that will soon become much more costly.

“The low-cost block of power [for pumping water from the Flathead River] expires in 2015,” explained Alan Mikkelsen, consultant to the FJBC. Without a renewed agreement lined up to regulate the price pf power beyond that point, pumping costs could double or triple after the deadline.

“I do think that the Jocko and the Mission are going to be extremely reluctant to pay for Flathead River pumping costs in the future,” said Mikkelsen.

While heightened pumping costs may represent one impetus for change, Mikkelsen echoed the notion that the move was primarily motivated by the threat of litigation.

“They’re very concerned about the direction of the board,” said Mikkelsen.

Though the organization of power is shifting away from the board and into the hands of individual irrigators, Johnson is confident that the move will be in the best interests of water users. He notes that irrigation in the area was managed smoothly prior to the formation of a regulatory board in the 1980s.

“The area had been this way for 60 years until the ‘80s,” said Johnson.

“I think it’s a good move for individuals. What might be right for us might not be right for folks up in Post Creek or Pablo.”

More information about the reasons for the split are provided in this week’s featured letter to the editor.