"Officials from all levels of government celebrated last week when President Obama signed an omnibus bill into law to quench the Four Corners' thirst.

The bill appropriates money to bring running water to 80,000 Navajos in between Shiprock and Gallup who do not have it by constructing a pipeline connecting the two cities. $870 billion was set aside thanks to the work of many of our elected officials, including the state government, Navajo President Joe Shirley, Senator Jeff Bingaman and many others.

This is a historic moment, but it's no time to kick back and put up feet.

The omnibus bill authorizing this water settlement only appropriated money for the pipeline's construction. It will take a separate bill through Congress to turn the cash into water.

As passing laws in Congress never is a sure thing, it's wise not to count any chickens before they hatch.

Then, there are the criticisms of state Sen. Ray Begaye, who says the bill only authorizes construction of the pipeline from Shiprock to Gallup, and not for connecting it to people's homes.

This primarily would exclude those who live in extremely remote areas.

The senator has a valid point. Running water doesn't help much if it's running away from your home."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Navajo water settlement not without flaws (The Farmington Daily Times 6/10)

Relevant Documents:
President Obama Remarks | STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT | BACKGROUND ON THE OMNIBUS PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT ACT BILL SIGNING | Secretary Ken Salazar Remarks

Omnibus Lands Bill:
H.R.146 | S.22

Related Stories:
Navajo Nation celebrates water rights settlement (05/27)
Editorial: Water project benefits Navajo people (4/9)
Obama signs omnibus public lands bill into law (3/31)
Obama to sign omnibus public lands bill into law (3/30)
Tribal provisions included in omnibus lands bill (3/26)
Navajo Nation water rights settlement in Congress (02/17)