The Bush administration's refusal to back a Pueblo water right settlement in northern New Mexico has sent the parties involved back to the drawing table and they now say they are near a new deal.

The settlement would resolve the water claims of four Pueblos -- Pojoaque, Tesuque, Namb and San Ildefonso. The deal included a regional water system that would serve Indian and non-Indian users.

The Bush administration said it wouldn't spend more than $11 million to implement the deal so a new one is being drafted in secret. The federal judge overseeing the case gave the parties until January to finish talks.

Get the Story:
Lawyers: Aamodt Deal Still Possible (The Albuquerque Journal 4/27)
Judge sets Aamodt deadline (The Santa Fe New Mexican 4/27)
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