PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Seven states and a tribal water rights coalition have formed an organization to address Missouri River issues.

The Missouri River Association of States and Tribes (MoRAST) will represent nonfederal game and fish agencies, tribal interests, and water management agencies, according to Gov. Mike Rounds.

Members of the association are South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, and member tribes of the Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition.

In the past, the state water management agencies and the Mni Sose Coalition belonged to the Missouri River Basin Association, while the state game and fish agencies belonged to the Missouri River Natural Resources Committee.

Two people from each state and up to six tribal members will make up a board of directors.