Bill > S953

This bill provides for the settlement of water rights claims for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe in Arizona. The comprehensive legislation establishes a framework for water allocation, infrastructure development, and financial support for these Native American tribes. Specifically, the bill authorizes the construction of the iiná bá - paa tuwaqat'si pipeline, which will deliver potable water to Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute communities, and creates trust funds for each tribe to support water projects, agricultural conservation, and infrastructure development. The bill allocates significant federal funding, with $1.715 billion for the pipeline and $3.421 billion distributed across various tribal trust fund accounts. It also defines water rights, establishes mechanisms for water storage and leasing, and includes provisions for limited waivers of sovereign immunity. The legislation aims to resolve long-standing water rights disputes, provide critical water infrastructure, and support the economic and community development of these tribes by ensuring access to reliable water resources. The bill includes detailed provisions for water accounting, environmental compliance, and protections for existing water rights of other entities in the Colorado River Basin.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/953/all-info