Bill > S564

This bill is a comprehensive water rights settlement act for the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico, addressing water rights claims, establishing a settlement trust fund, and protecting the Zuni Salt Lake and its surrounding sanctuary. The bill provides for the Zuni Tribe to receive $685 million in trust funds, with $655.5 million for water rights settlement and $29.5 million for operation and maintenance. It establishes detailed provisions for how the tribe can use these funds, including water infrastructure development, environmental compliance, and economic development. The bill also withdraws approximately 92,364 acres of federal land to protect the Zuni Salt Lake, with strict restrictions on land use including limitations on motor vehicle access, water well drilling, grazing, and new rights-of-way. The legislation transfers certain federal lands into trust for the Zuni Tribe and provides for future land acquisitions, while carefully preserving existing rights and ensuring environmental protections. Additionally, the bill includes comprehensive waivers and releases of water rights claims, with specific provisions to protect the rights of individual allottees and preserve the tribe's ability to pursue certain environmental and water quality claims. The settlement aims to provide a final and comprehensive resolution to long-standing water rights disputes while supporting the Zuni Tribe's water resource management and cultural preservation efforts.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/564/all-info