A New Mexico judge's threat to dismiss a lawsuit over water rights on the San Juan River won't derail negotiations with the Navajo Nation.

The tribe is moving to settle for 600,000 acre-feet of water a year and various water projects. The Navajo Nation Council approved the settlement late last month by 62-18 vote.

On January 3, a district court judge said the state should pay for a water study or he might dismiss the case. But the New Mexico State Engineer, the lead negotiator, says the threat won't affect the deal.

Get the Story:
State engineer to continue with settlement (The Farmington Daily Times 1/11)

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

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