The "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" seeks a fair water rights settlement for Ohkay Owingeh and the United States in the Rio Chama Stream System. It ratifies an agreement, defines key terms, and outlines the Pueblo Water Rights' administration, use, and trust status. The bill addresses water rights preservation, allocation, and leasing, ensuring these rights are held in trust by the US. It establishes the "Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund" for water-related projects, habitat protection, and community welfare, with strict withdrawal and reporting requirements. The bill necessitates State contributions and outlines waivers of claims, retention of certain rights, tolling of claims, and an antideficiency clause, emphasizing protection of other tribal rights and setting parameters for US liability.
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure.
The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.