Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Description
This bill would settle water rights claims for the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and establish a trust fund to support water projects.
Summary
What it does
This bill would authorize and implement a water rights settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties regarding the Rio San José Stream System. It proposes to establish the Navajo Nation Rio San José Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund to provide funding for the settlement's requirements and specifies the tribe's water rights while outlining the release of certain legal claims. Additionally, the legislation would expand the service areas for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico by settling water rights claims within the Rio San José Stream System. The United States federal government is also affected through its role in managing the settlement trust fund and overseeing the waiver and release of legal claims. Additionally, the bill impacts residents and entities within the service areas of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
Key provisions
- Settlement of Rio San José Stream System Water Rights. The bill authorizes and confirms a water rights settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties to resolve water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System.
- Establishment of the Navajo Nation Rio San José Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. The legislation creates and provides funding for a settlement trust fund and specific accounts to carry out the requirements of the bill.
- Specification of Tribal Water Rights and Waivers. The bill defines the specific water rights of the Navajo Nation and outlines the legal waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the tribe and the federal government.
- Expansion of Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Service Areas. The bill allows for the inclusion of additional service areas within the existing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill authorizes and confirms a specific water rights settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico, and it expands the authorized service areas for the existing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to recognize and settle water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Stream System in New Mexico by authorizing a specific settlement agreement and establishing a funded trust fund to implement the terms. It also seeks to define tribal water rights, manage legal claims and waivers, and expand service areas for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.