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Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement: $745M for Infrastructure and Restoration

This Act finalizes a long-standing water rights dispute for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico, bringing certainty to water allocation in the Rio Chama Stream System. It mandates over $745 million in federal funding for a trust fund dedicated to modernizing water infrastructure, improving irrigation systems, and restoring the riparian forest (*bosque*). The settlement ensures stable water access and infrastructure improvements benefiting both the Pueblo and surrounding communities.
Key points
Over $745 million in federal funds are allocated to upgrade water and irrigation systems in the Rio Chama region, enhancing water security for local users.
The water rights of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo are permanently established and protected from forfeiture due to non-use, resolving decades of legal uncertainty.
The State of New Mexico contributes over $131 million for water system improvements in the City of Española, upgrades to local irrigation ditches (acequias), and mitigation for non-Pueblo groundwater rights.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8685
Sponsor: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Process start date: 2024-06-11
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8685.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-06-11.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Over $745 million in federal funds are allocated to upgrade water and irrigation systems in the Rio Chama region, enhancing water security for local users.
  • The water rights of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo are permanently established and protected from forfeiture due to non-use, resolving decades of legal uncertainty.
  • The State of New Mexico contributes over $131 million for water system improvements in the City of Española, upgrades to local irrigation ditches (acequias), and mitigation for non-Pueblo groundwater rights.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

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