Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

This legislation proposes to formally resolve long-standing legal disputes regarding water rights within the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico. By ratifying a settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other local parties, the bill aims to provide legal certainty for water use in the region. It would officially recognize the specific water rights of the Navajo Nation and outline which legal claims the tribe and the federal government would waive or retain moving forward.

To support the implementation of this agreement, the bill would establish the Navajo Nation Rio San Jose Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This fund would receive federal money to pay for water-related projects and infrastructure. Additionally, the bill proposes to expand the service areas for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which could improve water access for residents in the surrounding areas. If enacted, the bill would provide a framework for managing shared water resources and ensuring a more reliable water supply for tribal members and neighboring communities.