By: Derek Hawkins//February 28, 2018//
United States Supreme Court
Case Name: State of Montana v. State of Wyoming, et al.
Case No.: 583 U. S 137
Focus: Yellowstone River Compact Violation – Judgment Awards
Judgment is awarded against the State of Wyoming and in favor of the State of Montana for violations of the Yellowstone River Compact resulting from Wyoming’s reduction of the volume of water available in the Tongue River at the Stateline between Wyoming and Montana by 1300 acre feet in 2004 and 56 acre feet in 2006. Judgment is awarded in the amount of $20,340, together with pre- judgment and post-judgment interest of seven percent (7%) per annum from the year of each violation until paid. Costs are awarded to Montana in the amount of $67,270.87.
Wyoming shall pay these damages, interest, and costs in full not later than 90 days from the date of entry of this Judgment. Wyoming shall make its payment into an account specified by Montana to be used for improvements to the Tongue River Reservoir or related facilities in Mon- tana. Montana may distribute these funds to a state agency or program, a political subdivision of the State, a nonprofit corporation, association, and/or a charitable organization at the sole discretion of the Montana Attorney General in accordance with the laws of the State of Montana, with the express condition that the funds be used for improvements to the Tongue River Reservoir or related facilities in Montana.
Except as herein provided, all claims in Montana’s Bill of Complaint are denied and dismissed with prejudice.
Denied and Dismissed with Prejudice
Dissenting:
Concurring: