The Jicarilla Apache Nation of New Mexico is negotiating the costs of a water system with the Bureau of Reclamation.

As part of a water rights settlement with the Navajo Nation, the federal government agreed to the $870 million Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. Since part of the project will benefit the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the tribe is required to share a portion of the costs.

The Jicarilla segment of the water supply project is $30.5 million. The tribe could pay as little as $7.5 million or as much as $10.5 million, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

The issue will be discussed at a public negotiation session this morning. Five more meetings will take place in June.

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Millions at stake in water negotiations (The Farmington Daily Times 5/17)