Click the link to read the article on the AZCentral.com website (Arlyssa D. Becenti). Here’s an excerpt:
May 25, 2024
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed a historic water settlement with the federal government on Friday, the day after the Navajo Nation Council approved it unanimously. Speaker Crystalyne Curley said she believes Congress will support the measure, finally bringing the promise of water for thousands of people. The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, once passed by Congress, will settle the Navajo Nation’s claims to water rights to all Colorado River water in Arizona.
The separate Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Agreement will settle water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System and the Rio Puerco Basin in New Mexico for the Navajo Nation if considered by Congress…
Included in the agreement is proposed funding of about $5 billion to build essential water projects required by the Navajo Nation, money that would require appropriations by Congress.
After the 25th Navajo Nation Council took office, along with Nygren and Vice President Richelle Montoya, a consensus emerged to address water rights claims, initiating discussions that had dragged on for years. Leaders emphasized that the effort was a collaborative endeavor involving Navajo Nation leadership, the Navajo Department of Justice, the Navajo Attorney General’s office, the Navajo Department of Water Resources and the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission.