Compensation for mineral rights took center stage at the state capitol today. A new well is proposed to be built near Fruitland by Alta Mesa, a Houston-based company that claims $150-million invested in Payette County to date.
Alta Mesa says most people have signed leases and are comfortable with the terms: some reports say a representative for 5 families says the amount of money the homeowners will receive if the well goes in is a bad deal.
Alta Mesa says it has leases for at least 66 percent in the proposed 640-acre area.
The hearing is reportedly extended to Thursday and the decision from state officials is required within a month.
