Pueblo Water Settlement: $1.3 Billion for New Mexico Infrastructure.
This Act approves the settlement of water rights claims for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico, resolving judicial adjudications. It secures federally held trust water rights for the tribes and authorizes over $1.3 billion in federal funding for water infrastructure construction and modernization. The Act also includes State financial contributions for local irrigation ditch (Acequia) projects and for mitigating impacts on non-Pueblo groundwater rights.
Key points
Water Security: Pueblo water rights are held in trust by the federal government and are not subject to loss through non-use, forfeiture, or abandonment.
Infrastructure Funding: Over $1.3 billion in federal funds is authorized for trust funds to plan, construct, and maintain water infrastructure.
Claim Resolution: The Pueblos waive claims regarding water rights and past damages against the US in exchange for the settlement benefits.
Local Support: The State will contribute funding for Acequia projects and to mitigate impairment to non-Pueblo domestic and livestock groundwater rights resulting from new Pueblo water use.
Status:
Expired
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