The Soboba Band of Luise�o Indians is nearing a water rights settlement, chairman Robert Salgado said.

The settlement would provide the tribe with more than 1.3 billion gallons of water, $28 million and $127 acres, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. The deal requires Congressional approval.

The settlement is somewhat controversial because the tribe might use the additional land for a casino and other businesses. Some cities have refused to give their support because of the casino factor.

The tribe has been denied full water since the 1930s, when a tunnel was dug that diverted water to non-Indian communities.

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Water plan stymies tribe (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/13)
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