Gallego Touts Support for Bipartisan Northeastern Arizona Tribal Water Rights Settlement

Gallego Touts Support for Bipartisan Northeastern Arizona Tribal Water Rights Settlement

PHOENIX - Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee and former chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples, issued a statement touting his support for the bipartisan, bicameral Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024.

"I am incredibly proud to support this historic, bipartisan legislation which will finally secure water rights for Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe," said Rep. Gallego. "As a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, I have consistently fought for tribal rights and to secure Arizona's water future. This legislation embodies both of those goals. I look forward to working across the aisle and with the Senate to get this signed into law."

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 would ratify and fund the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement to address one of the longest-running water issues in Arizona by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

The settlement will provide reliable and safe water for these communities, allowing the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe to lease their water, creating economic opportunities until local demand is met through new infrastructure. The settlement authorizes $5 billion to acquire, build, and maintain essential water development and delivery projects, including a $1.75 billion distribution pipeline. In total, the Tribes would be guaranteed access to over 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water, and specific groundwater rights and protections. Additionally, this legislation will establish a homeland for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.