A public meeting was held Monday night on a proposed settlement of the Navajo Nation's water rights on the San Juan River.

Navajo Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. said the tribe has conceded nearly half of its rights on the river in exchange for 606,060 acre feet of water a year and $900 million in public works projects. Abigail Yazzie, a tribal member, said the deal would finally bring running water to her family.

Some at the meeting criticized the way the settlement was reached, The Farmington Daily Times reported. Talks were kept secret until earlier this year and revisions were also kept secret.

The deal requires approval of the Navajo Nation Council and the U.S. Congress. The state of New Mexico and the federal government are parties to the settlement.

Get the Story:
Water settlement would bring water to Navajo homes (The Farmington Daily Times 8/3)
Fireworks likely at San Juan water meeting (The Gallup Independent 8/2)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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