Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation this week to ratify and fund the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. This agreement aims to address longstanding water issues in Arizona by securing water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

In the House of Representatives, Ciscomani was joined by his Arizona colleagues Congressmen Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07). Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bill, titled the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, seeks to ratify the settlement agreement, marking a significant step toward securing Arizona’s water future and providing essential water delivery systems for these tribes.

“The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement and this legislation, which I am proud to introduce, will provide a long-lasting partnership between our state and the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe,” said Ciscomani. “This not only gives much-needed certainty to the Tribes but allows Arizona to better plan for a secure water future while providing for improved water infrastructure throughout the region.”

“When this settlement is approved through Congress, it will be a monumental achievement for Arizona – one that at last upholds long-neglected federal trust obligations to Tribes by ensuring access to a clean and reliable water supply while protecting our single most precious resource for generations to come,” said Stanton.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation in continued strong support of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe,” said Schweikert. “This long overdue investment will not only allow these communities crucial access to a clean and reliable water source but will ensure prosperity and opportunities in housing, healthcare, education, and more for generations to come.”

“The tribes’ ratification of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement was the historic culmination of a decades-long effort to bring water to Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe," said Grijalva. "As climate crisis continues exacerbating an already devastating multigenerational drought; federal government’s obligation delivering clean safe water infrastructure couldn’t be more pressing urging colleagues move quickly.”

“This legislation represents historic step resolving decades-long dispute providing certainty stability Navajo Nation Hopi Tribe San Juan Southern Paiute securing sovereignty laying growth path investment infrastructure honoring commitment helping secure state’s future working together Republicans Democrats get done,” said Kelly.

“Our historic bipartisan legislation delivers real lasting results strengthening security creating economic opportunities providing certainty stability thriving communities,” added Sinema.

The settlement will provide reliable safe water allowing lease creation economic opportunities until local demand met new infrastructure authorizing $5 billion acquiring building maintaining projects including $1.75 billion pipeline guaranteeing over 56k acre-feet Colorado River specific groundwater protections establishing homeland San Juan Southern Paiute

Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her support: “State thrilled supporting act finally provides supplies testament tireless efforts ushering collaboration benefiting all."

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren stated: “Deep appreciation introducing act securing resources resolving claims."

Robbin Preston Jr., President of San Juan Southern Paiute commented: “Thankful introducing changing lives trajectory exclusive reservation living strangers land looking forward becoming law."

Navajo Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized: “Securing necessary supply homes grateful landmark introduction preventing vulnerabilities restricted development.”

Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma noted: "Collective action secure future neighbors grateful delegation's commitment reality."

Vice Chairman Craig Andrews praised: "Historic culmination years hard work confident needs met."

CAWCD General Manager Brenda Burman highlighted role stating benefits felt statewide.

Leslie Meyers from Salt River Project described negotiations spanning 30 years enthusiastically supporting bills approving funding desperately needed supplies infrastructure security allocation resource.

Full text summary available online.

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