Arbitrator rules in favor of Kansas

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) - A federal arbitrator has ruled in favor of Kansas in disputes with Colorado and Nebraska over the use of water from the Republican River.

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six says Friday two issues were in play regarding a compact that governs the use of the water that flows from Colorado, through Kansas to Nebraska and back into northern Kansas.

The arbitrator sided with Kansas in concerns about Colorado's plans to use a pipeline to put water in the river to comply with the compact.

Additionally, the arbitrator rejected Nebraska's effort to seek water credits for paying monetary damages to Kansas for being out of compliance with the compact. Six said the plan would have encouraged future compact violations and deprive Kansans of water.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning said his state would continue to use the water to which it is entitled.