Kelly Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Ratify and Fund Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement
Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), alongside Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), introduced the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation ratifying and funding the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement that will resolve the Nation’s water rights claims, bring additional water supplies to the Verde Valley, and help keep the Verde River flowing.
The Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act authorizes $1.039 billion to build and maintain essential water infrastructure, including the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and a Surface Water Drinking Plant. The settlement will provide the Yavapai-Apache Nation with confirmed rights to 4,610 acre-feet per year of water, promote water conservation, and protect the flow of the Verde River. Additionally, it includes a land exchange with the Forest Service to secure lands contiguous to the Middle Verde Reservation, enhancing community resilience and environmental stewardship.
Kelly’s bill represents a significant step toward securing Arizona’s water future and providing much-needed water delivery systems for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and surrounding communities.
The House version, H.R. 8949, was introduced by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-1) on July 8th, 2024, and is cosponsored by Representatives Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-8), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4).
“Securing water rights and providing reliable water supplies are essential for the future of Arizona,” said Kelly. “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. I am proud to work with my colleagues to support this settlement and get it enacted into law.”
“Our legislation provides critical support to strengthen the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s water future and ensures they have access to clean drinking water and efficient water infrastructure for generations to come,” said Sinema.
“H.R. 8949 promotes growth for the Yavapai Apache Nation by delivering critical resources,” said Schweikert. “The bipartisan bill provides the means to construct infrastructure to water sources, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this important legislation.”
“This legislation represents a long-awaited agreement, fortifying a strong partnership between the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the state of Arizona,” said Ciscomani. “This relationship will only benefit our communities as we continue to work towards a secure water future, and I’m proud to join my Arizona colleagues in this crucial effort.”
“This landmark settlement honors our federal trust responsibility to the Yavapai-Apache Nation and protects the Verde River for generations to come,” said Stanton. “I’m grateful for the Tribal Council, Salt River Project, and many others that worked tirelessly over 50 years to negotiate this agreement, and I look forward to securing these critical investments in the Verde Valley’s water future.”
“In Arizona, there are few things more important than water rights”, said Lesko. “I am pleased that our state congressional delegation has united in support of the Yavapai Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act to codify this agreement into law. This was a significant achievement for all parties involved.”
Click here to read the bill text. Click here for a summary.
See what Arizona leaders and stakeholders are saying about the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024:
“The State of Arizona proudly supports the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement, which will bring increased water security and sustainability to the Verde Valley and help ensure every Arizonan has access to the water they need to thrive,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “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.”
“This is a critical milestone, not only for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, but also for the future of the Verde River,” said Chairwoman Tanya Lewis. “On behalf of the Tribal Leaders that have come before me, I want to thank Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Kyrsten Sinema for their deep commitment to addressing water issues in the State of Arizona and for their unwavering support for the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act.” Lewis continued, “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.”
“The City of Cottonwood was pleased to participate in the settlement negotiations with the Yavapai-Apache Nation and feel this settlement will be very good for the Verde River, the City of Cottonwood and for all of the other communities here in the Verde Valley”, said Tom Whitmer, Acting City Manager for the City of Cottonwood. “SRP appreciates Senator Kelly and the Arizona Congressional delegation’s efforts to introduce and pass legislation to approve this historic agreement,” said Leslie Meyers, Associate General Manager & Chief Water Resources and Services Executive at SRP. “As a result of many years of negotiations, the settlement secures the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s water rights while facilitating renewable water supplies and cooperative water stewardship opportunities in the Verde Valley.”
