What does Preamble of S 953 do?

This bill aims to settle water rights claims for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The bill's stated purpose is to provide for the settlement of these water rights claims and for other purposes.

What does SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. of S 953 do?

This bill is formally titled the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025.

What does Ratification and execution of the Northeastern Arizona Indian of S 953 do?

This section concerns the ratification and execution of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement.

What does Allocation and assignment of Arizona Colorado River Water to of S 953 do?

This section concerns the allocation and assignment of Arizona Colorado River Water to Tribes. It addresses water use, storage, and water delivery contracts.

What does Ratification of the Treaty and creation of the San Juan of S 953 do?

This section ratifies a treaty. This section creates the San Juan Southern Paiute Reservation.

What does Authorization for use of Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project of S 953 do?

This section authorizes the use of facilities related to the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

What does PURPOSES. of S 953 do?

This Act aims to settle claims to water rights in Arizona. The settlement applies to the Navajo Nation, Navajo Allottees, the Hopi Tribe, Hopi Allottees, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the United States acting as trustee. The Act authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, provided it aligns with the Act. The Secretary is authorized to fulfill duties and obligations under both the Settlement Agreement and this Act. Funds are authorized and appropriated for implementing the Settlement Agreement and this Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 953 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The term '1882 Reservation' includes land within the Hopi Indian Reservation and land withdrawn by Executive order. “Arizona Colorado River Water” refers to waters apportioned to Arizona and is limited to interpreting the Settlement Agreement and this Act. “CAP” and “Central Arizona Project” refer to a Federal reclamation project. “Cibola Water” refers to the Hopi Tribe’s entitlement to a specific amount of water. “Decree” refers to specific Supreme Court rulings in Arizona v. California. “Effective Date” is tied to the execution of the Settlement Agreement by a specified number of parties. “Underground Water” means water beneath the earth's surface, excluding Colorado River Water and Effluent. “United States” is defined as acting as trustee for various groups.

What does RATIFICATION AND EXECUTION OF THE NORTHEASTERN ARIZONA INDIAN of S 953 do?

This section ratifies and confirms the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, except where modified by this Act. Amendments to the Settlement Agreement are authorized, ratified, and confirmed if consistent with this Act. The Secretary is directed to execute the Settlement Agreement, including exhibits, provided it does not conflict with this Act. The Secretary can approve modifications to the Settlement Agreement consistent with this Act, unless requiring congressional approval under other laws. Abstracts attached to the Settlement Agreement will be modified to correct errors, omissions, and conform with applicable laws. Implementation of the Settlement Agreement requires compliance with the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and other federal environmental laws. The applicable Tribe is also responsible for preparing environmental documents in compliance with relevant laws, excluding those related to the iina ba - paa tuwaqat'si pipeline. The Secretary is responsible for evaluating documentation and ensuring the accuracy of compliance documentation. The execution of the Settlement Agreement is not considered a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act. Costs associated with compliance activities are generally to be paid from specific trust fund accounts, with the Secretary responsible for inherently federal functions and Federal approval review costs.

What does WATER RIGHTS. of S 953 do?

This section ratifies, confirms, and declares valid the Water Rights of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Navajo Allottees, and Hopi Allottees as described in the Settlement Agreement. Any use of these Water Rights is subject to the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement and this Act. In case of conflict, this Act takes precedence over the Settlement Agreement. Congress intends to provide Navajo Allottees benefits equivalent to or exceeding those they possess before the Act's enactment. The United States will hold certain Water Rights in trust for the specified tribes and allottees, including rights related to underground water, springs, and the Little Colorado River. The rights of the Navajo Nation and Navajo Allottees to use water may be used anywhere on the Navajo Reservation or on Off-Reservation land held in trust, but generally cannot be sold or transferred off the reservation. The Secretary will administer the Water Rights of the Navajo Allottees until the Navajo Nation Water Code is approved or amended.

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Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 — S. 953

Last updated: 3/11/2026 · Introduced: 3/11/2025

Author: Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 settles water rights claims for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
The Act allocates and assigns Arizona Colorado River Water to the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe, with specific amounts and usage restrictions.
It establishes trust funds for each tribe to manage and invest settlement funds for various purposes, including water projects, agricultural conservation, and renewable energy.
The Act authorizes the construction of the iina ba - paa tuwaqat'si pipeline and appropriates funds for its implementation, as well as for the trust funds.
It includes provisions for waivers, releases, and retention of claims related to water rights, and establishes accounting rules for Colorado River water deliveries.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title; table of contents., and 24 more.

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