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Navajo Water Rights Settlement: Securing Funds and Water Access in New Mexico.

This Act approves a settlement that finally resolves long-standing water rights disputes for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Stream System. It mandates over $223 million in funding for constructing and maintaining critical water infrastructure, directly improving access to water for domestic, municipal, and irrigation use for Navajo communities. The settlement provides legal certainty for water users in the region, concluding pending litigation.
Key points
Water Rights Security: Navajo Nation's water rights are recognized, held in trust by the US, and protected from loss due to non-use.
Infrastructure Investment: Over $223 million is allocated for building, upgrading, and maintaining water supply, wastewater, and irrigation systems.
Expanded Water Delivery: Authorizes the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project service area to deliver water to Navajo communities in the Rio San José Basin.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_565
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Process start date: 2025-02-13