The Obama administration is trying to revive a water rights settlement with the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation.

The tribes have claims to the Little Colorado River in Arizona. But leaders from both tribes objected to provisions in S.2109, the Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is reaching out to both tribes and has invited them to Washington, D.C., on November 14 to discuss the settlement and other issues, The Navajo Times reported. The goal would be to pass the settlement in the lame-duck session, right after the November election.

The Hopi Tribe is on board with the effort and has identified several issues it wants resolved, according to a letter from Chairman LeRoy N. Shingoitewa that was obtained by the Times. Navajo leaders haven't commented about the talks.

Get the Story:
Interior Secretary invites tribal officials D.C. to renegotiate water rights settlement (The Navajo Times 10/18)
Hopis on board to renegotiate terms of water rights settlement (The Navajo Times 10/18)

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