Senate bill confirms Ohkay Owingeh water rights settlement in New Mexico

What does this do?

This bill approves a 2023 legal settlement recognizing Ohkay Owingeh's water rights to the Rio Chama river system, protecting those rights from loss due to non-use, and setting rules for using, sharing, or leasing the water, with leases capped at 99 years. It creates a trust fund and requires federal, state, and local contributions for water infrastructure, bosque restoration, and irrigation systems.

Who does it affect?

It directly affects Ohkay Owingeh tribal members, farmers using acequia irrigation ditches along the Rio Chama, the City of Espanola, and New Mexico state government.

Why does it matter?

The settlement resolves long-running litigation over Rio Chama water rights in exchange for the pueblo and federal government dropping related lawsuits and claims. If the settlement isn't fully certified by 2038, the agreement and its legal waivers expire and unused federal funds must be returned.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Federal trust fund ~$745 million
• State and city fund irrigation upgrades
• Unused funds returned if deadline missed