Great Lakes compact focus shifting to Congress

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - A year ago, it seemed a proposed interstate compact designed to prevent thirstier regions from raiding the Great Lakes might be sunk by squabbles among the eight states with jurisdiction over the vast reservoir.

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Now the deal to govern nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water is close to ratification at the state level, and supporters are beginning to plot strategy for the final step: winning approval from Congress and the White House.

On the surface, the task would appear easy. Congress has endorsed more than 200 interstate compacts over the years, including 41 dealing specifically with water management. They regulate use of some of the nation's primary water sources, such as the Colorado and Delaware rivers.

Leading supporters of the Great Lakes pact say they're aware of no significant opposition in Congress or from the Bush administration. Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, the likely presidential nominees, both have endorsed it.

But backers remain wary. After all, it was fear of water grabs by other sections of the country — or even from overseas — that inspired the eight states to negotiate their deal.

"There's a sense of urgency because this is an increasingly valuable natural resource at a time when significant growth is taking place in water-short areas," said David Naftzger, executive director of the Council of Great Lakes Governors.

The governors were jolted into action a decade ago when a Canadian company obtained a permit from Ontario to ship tankers of Lake Superior water to Asia. The company dropped its plan in the face of withering criticism. But legal experts said the lakes needed stronger protection.