PRESS RELEASE Washington State Department of Ecology and City of Leavenworth Reach Settlement Agreement

The City of Leavenworth and the Washington State Department of Ecology have reached a settlement agreement to resolve a long-standing dispute over the city’s water rights, concluding a decade of negotiations. This agreement was facilitated through the Icicle Work Group Process, a collaborative forum that includes local, state, and federal agencies, water purveyors, and tribes. The Icicle Strategy has allowed both parties to engage in direct negotiations to find innovative solutions for water supply and conservation, resulting in more than $580,000 awarded to the city for key projects. Mayor Carl Florea described the settlement as a significant milestone in securing water rights, emphasizing the city’s commitment to sustainable growth and resource preservation. Tom Tebb, Director of Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River, noted that this settlement exemplifies the mission of collaborative water management and marks an important achievement for the region.

The partnership has already led to beneficial projects, including a Conservation and Drought Plan and a utility rate study. Both parties express a desire to continue their cooperative efforts in planning and financing water use efficiency projects. This settlement not only resolves past disputes but also sets a foundation for future collaboration in managing water resources effectively.