This bill settles long-standing water rights disputes involving the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico's Rio Chama Stream System. The legislation approves and ratifies a settlement agreement that recognizes specific water rights for the tribe and establishes a $745 million trust fund to support water infrastructure projects, bosque (riverside forest) restoration, and water management. The funds can be used for water system improvements, agricultural development, environmental protection, and administrative costs related to managing the tribe's water rights. The settlement also requires New Mexico to contribute approximately $130.5 million for acequia (irrigation ditch) improvements and municipal water systems serving both the pueblo and non-Indian users. The agreement becomes legally binding once the Secretary of Interior certifies that all conditions have been met, including court approval of a final judgment, and it expires if not finalized by July 1, 2038, unless extended by agreement. In exchange, the tribe waives most historical claims against the federal government related to water rights and water infrastructure, though it retains rights to enforce future water protections and pursue claims involving water quality and resources acquired after the agreement takes effect.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.