- Bipartisan legislation introduced to ratify the agreement.
- $1.039 billion allocated for infrastructure development.
- Settlement ensures water security for the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
- Critical step towards protecting the Verde River’s flow.
July 17, 2024 –– The Yavapai-Apache Nation and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema have announced a landmark agreement to secure the tribe’s water rights and protect the Verde River. This bipartisan legislation, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, authorizes $1.039 billion in funding to build essential water infrastructure, including a pipeline and a drinking water treatment plant. This settlement is the culmination of decades of negotiations and represents a major step forward in ensuring water security for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the surrounding communities.
A Win for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the Environment.
The agreement confirms the Nation’s rights to 4,610 acre-feet of water per year, a crucial resource for the tribe’s future. The pipeline will draw water from the C.C. Cragin Reservoir, reducing the need for groundwater pumping and helping to protect the flow of the Verde River, a vital cultural and ecological resource. In addition to water rights, the settlement includes a land exchange with the Forest Service, securing lands contiguous to the Middle Verde Reservation and further enhancing the Nation’s resilience and environmental stewardship.
Statements from Key Figures.
Senator Mark Kelly
emphasized the importance of water rights and reliable water supplies for Arizona’s future, stating, “This settlement is a significant step toward ensuring the Yavapai-Apache Nation and surrounding communities have the resources they need to thrive, while also protecting the vital flow of the Verde River.”
Chairwoman Tanya Lewis of the Yavapai-Apache Nation expressed her gratitude for the hard work and compromise that led to this agreement, saying, “We are proud to have finally reached this moment and appreciate how hard each of the settling parties worked to achieve this comprehensive water rights settlement that will provide water certainty for the Nation and support a healthy Verde River that is cherished by so many people in the Verde Valley and across the state.”
Governor Katie Hobbs voiced her support for the settlement, highlighting its importance for water security and sustainability in the Verde Valley. She stated, “My administration is committed to partnering with Tribes on all water resource matters, including settling outstanding water rights claims. The Yavapai-Apache have waited years for this day, and this legislation is proof of their steadfast efforts and advocacy.”
A Bipartisan Effort for Arizona’s Future.
The House version of the bill, H.R. 8949, was introduced by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-1) and enjoys bipartisan support from Representatives Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-8), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4). This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to securing Arizona’s water future and upholding the federal trust responsibility to the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Bill Tracking.
“S.4705 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in the State of Arizona, to authorize construction of a water project relating to those water rights claims, and for other purposes.” Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 11 July 2024, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4705.
“H.R.8949 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in the State of Arizona, to authorize construction of a water project relating to those water rights claims, and for other purposes.” Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 8 July 2024, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8949.
Image:
Verde River flowing south
, taken November 2011 by Dave’s98JeepTJ. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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