S 565119th CongressIntroduced

Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Introduced: Oct 29, 2025

Agriculture & FoodEnvironment & ClimateInfrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This legislation approves the settlement of the Navajo Nation's water rights claims in the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico, establishing a $200.27 million trust fund for water infrastructure development, defining tribal water rights management protocols, and implementing mutual claim waivers between the Navajo Nation and federal/state entities while protecting allottee water rights.

Key Points

1The bill ratifies a comprehensive agreement settling all Navajo Nation water rights claims in the Rio San Jose Stream System adjudication, confirming specific water allocations for tribal use.
2A $200.27 million trust fund is established for water infrastructure projects including construction, operation, and maintenance of water delivery systems on Navajo lands.
3Navajo Nation water rights are held in trust by the U.S. government, protected from forfeiture through non-use, and may be leased for up to 99 years with Secretary approval.

Impact Areas

Navajo Nation tribal members and governanceNew Mexico state water management systemsLocal acequia irrigation districts and agricultural communitiesRio San Jose and Rio Puerco Basin water resources

Generated by Expert Legislative Analyst Model v3.2 on Nov 2, 2025