West

Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy.

The confidence index remained low at 42.9 in September — up slightly from August's 42.

Grouse numbers in Idaho have dropped more than 50 percent since 2015.

Stenehjem said Friday he thought the proposal had languished but attorneys general recently learned that it was still being reviewed.

But there's no guarantee those programs will continue indefinitely, Webster said.

That's up from 8 in 10 who said the same thing in September.

The practice might gain better acceptance in the West if people see its potential to improve big game habitat, she said.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Mexico are affected.

The agreement runs through 2026.

The states want congressional approval by April 22 so that Mexico also will contribute water starting next year.