The Gila River Indian Community of Arizona held two days of celebrations over the weekend to mark the approval of the tribe's historic water rights settlement.

President Bush signed the settlement into law last year and state lawmakers gave their approval this year. All that is needed now is acceptance by a federal judge.

Under the deal, the tribe will receive 653,500 acre-feet of water a year and $400 million a year to help it upgrade its irrigation system. The tribe will be able to sell some of its water to other communities.

Get the Story:
Water accords joyous to tribe (The Arizona Republic 4/23)
Water-rights law earns praise (The East Valley Tribune 4/23)

Get the Settlement Bill:
S.437

Related Stories:
Water deal helps tribe return to farming heritage (01/19)
Tribal water rights bill has benefits for cities (11/19)
Tribal water rights bill ready for Bush signature (11/18)
Senate passes Arizona tribal water rights deal (10/12)