A deal to settle the water rights of four Pueblos in northern New Mexico is far from a done deal even though the tribes and non-Indian water users have signed on.

The leaders of Tesuque Pueblo and Pojoaque Pueblo joined state and local leaders on a lobbying trip to Washington. They were told the Sens. Pete Domenici (R) and Jeff Bingaman (D) won't support the deal until some outstanding cost and water issues are resolved.

The Bush administration is balking at the deal because it requires the construction of a regional water system, estimated to cost up to $177 million. The federal government's share could run about $150 million.

The pueblos of Tesuque, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso and Namb and non-Indian water users signed the deal earlier this month.

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