Article content
LEUPP, Ariz. (AP) — A proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes that carries a price tag larger than any such agreement enacted by Congress took a significant step forward late Monday with introduction in the Navajo Nation Council.
The Navajo Nation has one of the largest single outstanding claims in the Colorado River basin and will vote soon on the measure in a special session. It’s the first of many approvals — ending with Congress — that’s needed to finalize the deal.
Advertisement 2
Article content
A proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes in the Colorado River basin has taken a significant step forward with introduction in the Navajo Nation Council. The tribes, including Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute, are seeking a deal worth over $5 billion for water rights. This is the largest such agreement enacted by Congress and requires multiple approvals, culminating at the congressional level. The settlement aims to secure water from various sources to address water scarcity issues and lack of access for tribal communities.
Through this proposal, the tribes hope to secure water rights and allocations, guaranteeing essential water deliveries for their communities. The agreement includes provisions for constructing pipelines and infrastructure to ensure water access in remote areas. Overall, the settlement is seen as a crucial step towards resolving long-standing water disputes and providing economic opportunities for tribal members.