Bill 118 s 4643, also known as the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation that aims to settle water rights claims between the Zuni Indian Tribe and the state of New Mexico. The bill seeks to provide the Zuni Indian Tribe with a reliable and sustainable water supply for their community and agricultural needs.
The Zuni Indian Tribe has long-standing water rights claims in the Little Colorado River Basin, and this bill aims to resolve these claims through a negotiated settlement. The settlement includes provisions for the Zuni Indian Tribe to receive a certain amount of water from the basin, as well as funding for water infrastructure projects to ensure the tribe has access to clean and safe drinking water.
Additionally, the bill establishes a process for the Zuni Indian Tribe to manage and administer their water rights, ensuring that they have control over their water resources. The settlement also includes provisions for the state of New Mexico to provide financial assistance to the Zuni Indian Tribe for the implementation of the settlement agreement.
Overall, Bill 118 s 4643 aims to provide a fair and equitable resolution to the water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe, ensuring that they have access to the water resources they need to sustain their community and way of life.