Such a company "would have a lot of staying power" in settlement negotiations, he observed.

"They're going to look at the offer and then we'll sit down and begin settlement negotiations."

The leaders of both communities started settlement negotiations in September 2008.

Cases may be delayed because settlement negotiations are in progress.

That's the only way serious settlement negotiations can take place.

Participants in the case said earlier that settlement negotiations were under way.

That makes settlement negotiations - or a trial - simpler.

But the company shifted tactics last summer, when settlement negotiations began.

Some of the other companies are also in settlement negotiations with the state and federal governments, officials said.

The court also ordered the two sides to begin settlement negotiations.