A final report aimed at concluding a century of litigation between Kansas and Colorado over the Arkansas River was issued Friday by Special Master Arthur Littleworth. “This is the fifth and final report in this case, which includes a proposed judgment and decree that is crafted with the firm intent to end the 100-year history of litigation over rights to the Arkansas River,” Littleworth wrote in the introduction to the three-volume report. The report also includes 19 exhibits, and a proposed judgment and decree. It sets up a plan for arbitration to be used by the states in future years, rather than through prolonged litigation. The U.S. Supreme Court will accept exceptions from the two states during the next two months. There would be a briefing if exceptions are filed, and after that, the court is expected to finalize the judgment and decree.

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