Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act, which ratifies the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement.
The agreement itself authorizes $1.039 billion in funds to construct the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and the Yavapai-Apache Drinking Water System, along with other efforts to maintain the health of the Verde River, a major tributary of the Salt River.
The agreement affirms the Yavapai-Apache Nation's right to 4,610 acre-feet of water per year and authorizes the Nation's use of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water, establishes a permanent CAP delivery contract, and allows the Nation to store, lease, or exchange CAP water within Arizona.
"Families and businesses in the Verde Valley and surrounding communities need a reliable water supply, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation deserves a fair, lasting resolution to its water rights," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "This agreement honors Tribal sovereignty, invests in critical water infrastructure, and helps safeguard the Verde River. It's a big step forward for the Nation and for every community that depends on this river, and we'll work together to get it done."
Sen. Gallego further commented that "few things in Arizona are more precious than water." "Arizona's Tribal communities understand that better than most," he added, noting that the will would "finally codify the Yavapai-Apache Nation's water rights and invest in infrastructure to bring clean, reliable water to the Nation and surrounding communities, now and in the future."
"After visiting and meeting with tribal leaders and surrounding communities, it was clear how much certainty and stability this bill would provide. I'm proud to fight for rural Arizona," Rep. Crane added.
The Arizona Republican previously cosponsored the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement in 2024, which improves the provision of and authorization to lease clean water to the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe in northeastern Arizona, but also significantly boosts economic development for these groups in the region.
