Bill > HR1444

This bill establishes a comprehensive water rights settlement for the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico, addressing both water rights and land protections. The bill creates a $685 million trust fund to support the Tribe's water infrastructure and rights, with $655.5 million for water rights settlement and $29.5 million for operations and maintenance. The settlement recognizes and quantifies the Tribe's water rights in the Zuni River Stream System, providing the Tribe with the authority to allocate, distribute, and lease these water rights, while ensuring that water rights for individual allotments remain separate. The bill also withdraws approximately 92,364 acres of federal land to protect the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, implementing strict land management restrictions to preserve the area's cultural and environmental significance. Additionally, the legislation requires the transfer of certain federal lands into trust for the Tribe, with provisions for existing rights and authorizations. The bill includes comprehensive waivers and releases of claims related to water rights, while retaining the Tribe's rights to pursue claims about water quality and future water rights. Importantly, the settlement is contingent upon meeting specific conditions, including approval by the United States District Court and execution by all parties, with a potential expiration date of July 1, 2030, if key milestones are not met.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1444/all-info