The Bush administration has dropped its support for a water rights settlement involving four Pueblo tribes in northern New Mexico.

The Department of Justice said this week it wouldn't back the $280 million deal. The department put the federal government's liability at a mere $11 million, instead of the $200 million share originally proposed.

The settlement would resolve the water rights of Pojoaque Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Namb Pueblo and San Ildefonso Pueblo and other non-Indians. The $280 million is needed to create a regional water system.

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) said he would push the government to pay its share. He is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) is the ranking Democrat.

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Parties leery of new Aamodt plan (The Santa Fe New Mexican 1/14)
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U.S. government opposes Aamodt settlement due to taxpayer cost (The Santa Fe New Mexican 1/12)

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