S. 3617: Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026

The Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026 is legislation designed to address and resolve water rights claims for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, a Native American tribe located in Arizona. The primary objectives of this bill include:

Water Rights Settlement

The bill officially recognizes and affirms the water rights of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. A trust will be established specifically to manage these water rights to ensure their protection and proper use. This settlement resolves existing claims and issues related to water access for the tribe.

Infrastructure Projects

Alongside the settlement of water rights, the legislation authorizes various water infrastructure projects. These projects are intended to support the efficient management and utilization of water resources within the tribe's territory. The bill outlines funding mechanisms for these projects and specifies how the infrastructure should be used and maintained.

Claims Waiver

The Yavapai-Apache Nation agrees to waive certain water rights claims against the federal government for both past and future injuries to water rights. However, this waiver is not all-encompassing, as it maintains certain defined claims that the tribe can still assert regarding off-reservation water use and construction, following a specific date known as the Enforceability Date.

Sovereign Immunity Waiver

As part of this agreement, the Yavapai-Apache Nation has consented to waive its sovereign immunity, but only in relation to certain legal actions that pertain to the interpretation or enforcement of the agreements established by this Act. Importantly, this waiver does not extend to claims for monetary damages or costs.

Land Transfers

The legislation also includes provisions that address water rights issues and land transfers involving the local Town of Camp Verde, ensuring cooperative management of resources between the tribe and local government.

Summary of Key Provisions

• Affirmation of water rights for the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
• Establishment of a trust for managing these water rights.
• Authorization of water infrastructure projects, with funding and maintenance guidelines.
• Waiver of certain water rights claims against the U.S., with exceptions.
• Consent to waive sovereignty for specific legal actions without waiving rights to monetary damages.
• Addressing land transfers in cooperation with the Town of Camp Verde.

Relevant Companies

None found