Politics
Tribal water rights bill ready for Bush signature


A bill to settle the water rights of two Arizona tribes is ready for President Bush's signature.

The Tohono O'odham Nation near Tucson and the Gila River Indian Community near Phoenix will receive 47 percent of the Central Arizona Project Canal's annual flow. The tribes can use the water for their own purposes and as well as lease it to Tucson and Phoenix.

The bill settles claims on the Colorado River. The Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and San Carlos Apache Tribe also have claims to the river.

The House passed the bill yesterday by a voice vote. The Senate passed it last month by unanimous consent.

Get the Story:
Congress OKs settlement empowering tribes (The Arizona Republic 11/18)

Get the Bill:
S.437

Related Stories:
Senate passes Arizona tribal water rights deal (10/12)