This bill settles long-standing water rights disputes involving the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona. The legislation ratifies a water rights settlement agreement and authorizes construction of water infrastructure projects to deliver water to the nation's reservation and surrounding areas.
The bill provides the Yavapai-Apache Nation with specific water rights from multiple sources, including water from the Verde River, groundwater, and Central Arizona Project water. It also establishes the Tú ńlį́į́níchoh Water Infrastructure Project, which includes a pipeline from C.C. Cragin Dam and a drinking water treatment and distribution system. The federal government will construct and fund these projects, with the nation assuming operation and maintenance after completion.
To support water management and related infrastructure, Congress authorizes approximately $1.34 billion in mandatory appropriations: roughly $883.5 million for construction of the water projects and $155.3 million for a trust fund that the nation can use for water projects, wastewater facilities, operations and maintenance, and watershed restoration. The settlement also involves a land exchange where the nation transfers approximately 4,782 acres to the National Forests in exchange for about 3,206 acres of federal land to be held in trust for the nation.
As part of the settlement, the nation waives claims for past water rights disputes against Arizona, the federal government, and other parties, though it retains certain rights to enforce the settlement agreement and pursue claims against other tribes. The agreement becomes enforceable once specific conditions are met, including court approval, completion of environmental reviews, and full funding deposits, with a deadline of June 30, 2035.
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