Hanford Growers Rally to Save Water Rights
Facing a critical re-argument in federal court, Hanford farmers assess themselves to fund a legal battle that threatens their livelihood.
A large crowd of Hanford water right owners met in the Community Hall last Sunday to address the litigation pending before the Circuit Court of Appeals. The owners voted to make an assessment of $1.00 per acre on their land—either in full or in two installments—to cover additional legal costs and attorney fees for a re-argument ordered by the court, to be heard in San Francisco in March. Over $200 was raised at the meeting, with expectations that the total will double as non-resident owners are contacted. There was a general tone of optimism that the final outcome will prove satisfactory.
“There was a general tone of optimism at the meeting and water right owners generally are hopeful that the final outcome will be satisfactory.”
Water rights and the struggle for agricultural control defined the early history of the Columbia Basin. This legal fight highlights the perpetual fragility of farming livelihoods when pitted against complex federal and regional judicial systems.
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