H.R.1377, a bill to help the Mescalero Apache Tribe of New Mexico lease its water, was introduced in the House on March 21.

The Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act allows the tribe to lease, contract or transfer adjudicated water rights. At least one community is ready to deal with the tribe.

"The Mescalero Apache Tribe is working hard to ensure that the needs of the Mescalero people and surrounding communities are met, and that the region continues to grow and prosper. Water is one of our most important resources, and the Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act will allow our Tribe to better manage our water, and allow us to work with our neighboring communities on water usage," President Frederick Chino Sr., said in a press release.

A version of the bill passed the House during the 112th Congress but it never made it through the Senate.

Get the Story:
Mescalero Apache Work To Lease Water Rights (KUNM 3/27)
Pearce reintroduces water leasing bill (The Ruidoso News 3/27)

Related Stories:
House backs Mescalero Apache Nation water leasing measure (9/20)