Water flow a reality?
Lujan introduces Navajo water rights bill

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — U.S Rep. Ben Ray Lujan introduced a package of bills in the House this week focused on land conservation and water availability. One of the bills included is the Navajo-San Juan Indian Water Rights Settlement, according to Mark Nicastre, communications director for Lujan.

Other water-related bills include the Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Act, the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act, and the New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act. Another bill, the Sabinoso Wilderness Act, would preserve valuable wilderness 40 miles east of Las Vegas, N.M.

The Navajo-San Juan Indian Water Rights Settlement would resolve a water dispute that began in 1975 between the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation over the resources in the San Juan River.

The Navajo Nation and the state of New Mexico reached a settlement to resolve the dispute in 2005, however, it cannot be implemented without legislation that most notably authorizes a series of water infrastructure projects — including creating a water settlement and providing for funds for water resources.

The passage of this legislation, introduced Monday, would resolve the Navajo Nation’s claims to the San Juan River, provide Navajos with a long-term water supply, and protect the interests of non-Indian water users in the basin.

The Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority for the planning, design, and construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System.

The Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Act would allocate federal resources to Indian tribes in New Mexico to assess and repair irrigation infrastructure in order to help conserve water resources in the area.

The New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act would authorize the Secretary of Interior to conduct a study on the water resources of New Mexico.

Nicastre said the package has been referred to the Natural Resources Committee next for consideration. There are two companion bills that are in the public lands omnibus bill passed in the House in January and will be considered in the House shortly once work on the package is completed.

“This package of bills is essential to providing water resources for communities across New Mexico and preserving valuable land for future generations,” Lujan said.

“We can make an investment in our state’s resources by passing this package and working with local communities to finalize much-needed water projects and conserve wilderness areas for the benefit of future generations.”

“Water availability is a critical issue in New Mexico, and these pieces of legislation will provide many communities with stable access to water,” he said. “Communities in New Mexico need access to this precious resource, and this legislation will help alleviate the problems they face with water availability and allocation.”

The Sabinoso Wilderness Act that would designate approximately 16,000 wilderness acres that includes a unique and diverse ecosystem containing vast woodlands and rocky canyons, as well as thriving wildlife and vegetation.

“The Sabinoso Wilderness embodies the value and beauty of our land. The ecosystem that represents the wilderness is unique to the region and supports diverse wildlife and vegetation, which is why the legislation is supported by hunters, ranchers, conservationists and residents who want to preserve the land for future generations. The Sabinoso Wilderness Act will preserve valuable and treasured land, and provide the next generation with the opportunity to enjoy this land,” Luján said.