Bill > S563

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, environmental restoration, and economic development for the Pueblo, while formally recognizing and protecting the Pueblo's water rights. Key provisions include allowing the Pueblo to lease water rights for up to 99 years, establishing a process for managing and withdrawing funds from the trust fund, and providing broad waiver and release of historical water rights claims against the United States. The bill requires environmental compliance, allows for water rights management and infrastructure development, and mandates that the State of New Mexico contribute additional funding for local water system improvements. The settlement aims to provide a fair and final resolution to long-standing water rights disputes, with specific protections to ensure the Pueblo's water rights cannot be lost through non-use and can be used for various community purposes. The bill includes extensive provisions detailing how funds can be used, environmental protections, and the conditions under which the settlement becomes effective, with a potential expiration date of July 1, 2038 if certain conditions are not met.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/563/all-info