Thursday
March 1, 2007
Bono
Introduces Legislation to Settle Decades-Old Tribal Indian Water Rights
Conflict
Source: US Representative Mary Bono
The bill, The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act, which is co-sponsored by Congressmen Joe Baca (CA-43) and Jerry Lewis (CA-41), codifies an agreement made between the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), and Lake Hemet Water District (LHWD).
"The introduction of this legislation is a significant moment for the Southern California region, which relies so heavily on water resources," stated Bono. "This legislation takes the critical step to put into place a long-term plan that ensures the future water supply of the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and all of the San Jacinto Valley."
Once approved by Congress and signed by the President, the Settlement Act will provide to the Soboba Band of Indians the rights to construct an aqueduct, an annual water supply of 9,000 acre-feet, 128 acres of land near Diamond Lake for commercial development, and $18 million from the local water districts for economic development. Additionally, the United States will provide the Soboba Band of Indians with $11 million for water development.
"It is an historic day for Soboba and for the entire valley. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Congressional sponsors, all three water districts, the federal government and everyone who has worked so hard all these years to make this happen," said Robert J. Salgado Sr., Soboba Tribal Chairman. "This has been a very long, hard struggle going back into the nineteenth century. The Tribe has been very patient and is happy to see this conflict and litigation at last come to an end."
“The settlement agreement between the Soboba Tribe and the area water districts benefits all the parties involved by providing a final resolution and avoiding lengthy and costly delays," said bill co-sponsor Congressman Joe Baca. "The Sobobas will finally have secure access to water, a vital need for their economic development and wellbeing, and the federal government will provide funding that helps both the Tribe and the water districts. I am happy to support this bipartisan bill for the good of the Inland Empire and applaud my colleague Rep. Bono for her leadership.”
The agreement will terminate litigation against MWD and EMWD, which was filed by Soboba in April 2000 (Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians v. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California). That lawsuit sought damages and injunctive relief for the continuing drainage of water from the Soboba Reservation into MWD's nearby San Jacinto Tunnel, which was constructed in the 1930s.
“Congresswoman Bono has done wonderful work bringing all the pieces together and I am proud to be a part of her effort to secure a basin-wide water management plan," acknowledged co-sponsor Congressman Jerry Lewis. "The Soboba Tribe, Metropolitan Water District, Eastern and Lake Hemet Municipal Water Districts, and the local communities should be commended for working together to ensure a bright future in the San Jacinto Valley.”
"The settlement provides both for a guaranteed water right to the Tribe and a way to effectively manage the San Jacinto River groundwater basin," said Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager of MWD. "The district is pleased to participate in the settlement of the Soboba water rights litigation. The historic settlement, literally decades in the making, is made possible by the joint efforts of many divergent interests, including local water districts and several agencies of the federal government; and Metropolitan is grateful for the support of U.S. Reps. Bono, Lewis and Baca in sponsoring this legislation."
The bill mandates an annual delivery of 7,500 acre-feet of water for the next 30 years to Eastern and Lake Hemet, as part of an effort to recharge the San Jacinto groundwater basin, fulfilling the Sobobas water rights and eliminating chronic groundwater overdrafts.
“Lake Hemet Municipal Water District is pleased to be a part of the team that has diligently worked with The Soboba Indian Tribe, Eastern Municipal Water District, the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto to resolve the long standing water supply issues in the San Jacinto Valley," stated Thomas Wagoner, General Manager of LHWD. "The Groundwater Settlement Legislation being introduced to Congress culminates the technical, policy, and political negotiations that have been underway for more than a decade.”
The cities neighboring the Soboba Indian Reservation, which include San Jacinto and Hemet, will receive an annual supply of 7,500 acre-feet of new imported water until 2035.
"This isn't about a land settlement; it's about supplying water to the valley for the next 50 years," expressed Marc Searl, Mayor for the City of Hemet. "Unfortunately many people take this precious resource for granted and have no idea how important it is. This legislation being introduced by Congresswoman Bono is about water, which is the elixir of life for this valley."
As outlined in the Settlement Act, the cities will also receive $10 million in federal funds to help recharge the aquifer with the imported water, up to 100 acres of Soboba Reservation land for endangered species habitat, and up to 4,900 acre-feet per year of Soboba water for 50 years for basin restoration.
"The legislation introduced today is the culmination of years of negotiations," added Bono. "The significance of this legislation is impossible to measure because it secures the future of our growing population and agriculture industry that is imperative to our region. I am grateful to all the stakeholders involved who came together to support this legislation, which in-turn supports the future of the San Jacinto Valley region."
Contact:
Jason Vasquez 202-226-5365