Bill > S562

This bill is a comprehensive water rights settlement act that resolves water rights claims for two pairs of Native American Pueblos in New Mexico: the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna (Title I) and the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia (Title II). The bill authorizes and ratifies water rights agreements that have been negotiated between the Pueblos, the State of New Mexico, and other stakeholders, and establishes substantial federal funding to support water infrastructure, water rights management, and economic development for these Pueblos. For each pair of Pueblos, the bill creates separate trust funds totaling hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used for purposes such as water infrastructure development, watershed protection, water rights management, and economic development. The settlements also include comprehensive waivers of historical water rights claims against the United States, while preserving certain environmental and future water rights. The bill ensures that the Pueblos' water rights cannot be lost through non-use and provides mechanisms for the Pueblos to manage, allocate, and potentially lease their water rights. The settlements are designed to provide a final and equitable resolution to long-standing water rights disputes in specific river stream systems, with built-in environmental protections and economic development opportunities for the Pueblos.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/562/all-info