The Bush administration is opposing a settlement to the 40-year-old Aamodt water-rights lawsuit due to the cost being placed on the federal government.

The deal resolves the water rights of the pueblos of Namb�, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso and Tesuque as well as non-Indian users in northern New Mexico. But since it requires the federal government to commit up to $150 million for a regional water system, the Justice Department and the Interior Department won't back it.

Tribal and state leaders hope to change the administration's mind. They are heading to Washington, D.C., in two weeks to lobby for Congressional approval of the settlement.

Get the Story:
Aamodt deal signed without federal support (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/4)
pwpwd

Related Stories:
Pueblo water rights settlement heads to Washington (5/2)
Low turnout at meeting on Pueblo water rights deal (02/21)
Settlement possible in Pueblo water rights lawsuit (04/27)
Bush administration won't back Pueblo water deal (01/14)
Meeting called to seek support for Pueblo water deal (06/16)
Settlement elusive in 38-year-old water rights case (04/05)
Group organizes to oppose tribal water settlement (4/1)
Non-Indians seek way out of water rights settlement (03/24)
Non-Indians opposing deal to end water rights case (03/10)
Non-Indians wary of settlement to water rights case (2/18)
Settlement expected in water rights case (12/10)
Pueblo's water usage won't be curtailed by judge (07/02)
Pueblo's water usage at issue in court case (02/20)
Pueblo fights limits to water usage (11/27)
Water talks call on non-Indians to change (11/22)
Court to move on Pueblo water issue (11/21)
Court asked to halt Pueblo water use (09/13)
Pueblo has major development plans (7/17)
Pueblo threatened with court action (7/12)
Pueblo plans questioned (5/9)
Pueblo warned on water usage (3/15)
Pueblo water usage questioned (10/29)
Pueblo talks about water rights (2/22)
Pueblo water rights limited by court (2/7)