The agreement calls for Missouri and Arkansas agencies that deal with water issues to meet at least annually, starting next year, and to produce a biennial report on the status of the agreement.

Edited news release from Blunt’s office:

Blunt and Beebe pledged to protect the abundance of groundwater that provides drinking water for a significant percentage of the residents of both states as well as cooperating on projects to improve the water quality in the rivers and lakes that is crucial for jobs and growth in the region’s tourism industry.

The landmark agreement creates a framework for the two states to identify priority projects, cooperate in monitoring and modeling efforts and develop shared goals and objectives.

The directors of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission are charged with carrying out the agreement through at least annual meetings and biennial reports to their respective governors on the progress being made. Those reports would become part of the public record.

“This is an historic agreement between Missouri and Arkansas,” Gov. Blunt said. “Water quality is critical to jobs, economic growth, our environment and the quality of life for citizens of both states. Watersheds and aquifers know no state borders, and interstate collaboration is essential to protecting our streams, providing healthy drinking water and planning for future water needs.”

States without cooperative agreements often resort either to the federal government or the court system to resolve disputes, such as the recent intervention of the Interior Department in disputes involving Georgia, Florida and Alabama over Lake Lanier and its water supply that ultimately landed in court.

“Our environment and the taxpayers suffer when states are forced to spend time and money resolving disputes instead of dealing with issues directly and finding common ground,” Gov. Blunt said. “This agreement is an important tool to help Missouri and Arkansas avoid unnecessary conflicts.”

“Stronger communication today will help avoid conflicts tomorrow,” Gov. Beebe said. “Working together through existing agencies and resources, Arkansas and Missouri can better ensure the future of our shared waterways, and address our common water needs in the best interests of all of our citizens.”