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

This Act finalizes the long-standing water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in the Rio Chama Stream System, providing them with permanent, protected water rights and establishing a $745 million trust fund for infrastructure development. The settlement also mandates significant state contributions for improving water systems in the City of Española and upgrading local irrigation ditches (Acequias), ensuring regional water stability for both tribal and non-tribal communities.
Key points
The Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo receives permanent, federally protected water rights in the Rio Chama system, resolving decades of legal disputes and securing water resources.
A $745 million Federal Trust Fund is established to finance water infrastructure, agricultural improvements, and environmental restoration projects (bosque).
The State of New Mexico commits over $130 million for water system upgrades in the City of Española and improvements to local irrigation ditches (Acequias), directly benefiting regional water users.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4505
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Process start date: 2024-06-11
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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_S_4505.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-06-11.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo receives permanent, federally protected water rights in the Rio Chama system, resolving decades of legal disputes and securing water resources.
  • A $745 million Federal Trust Fund is established to finance water infrastructure, agricultural improvements, and environmental restoration projects (bosque).
  • The State of New Mexico commits over $130 million for water system upgrades in the City of Española and improvements to local irrigation ditches (Acequias), directly benefiting regional water users.
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 Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 663.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

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