Bill > HR1323

This bill establishes a comprehensive water rights settlement for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico's Rio Chama Stream System. The legislation creates a $745 million trust fund to support water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and economic development for the Pueblo, while also resolving long-standing water rights claims against the United States. The bill authorizes the Pueblo to allocate, distribute, and lease water rights both on and off Pueblo lands, with a maximum lease term of 99 years. The settlement includes specific provisions for protecting and restoring the bosque (riverside forest) ecosystem, improving water infrastructure, and providing funding for various water-related projects. The State of New Mexico is required to contribute additional funds, including $98.5 million for acequia (traditional irrigation canal) improvements and $32 million for the City of Española's water system. The agreement includes broad waivers of past claims by the Pueblo against the United States, while preserving certain rights related to water quality, future water rights, and environmental protections. The bill sets an expiration date of July 1, 2038, and requires multiple conditions to be met before the settlement becomes fully enforceable, including approval by the federal court and execution by all parties to the agreement.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1323/all-info