Friday
April 20, 2007
Governor
Bill Richardson, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. Statements on
San Juan Water Settlement Legislation
Source: US Senator Pete Domenici
introduced in the United States Senate on Thursday by Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Pete Domenici (R-NM). The legislation was also introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Congressman Tom Udall (D-NM).
“I salute the introduction of
this legislation as the next big step forward from the
settlement signed by me and President Shirley almost exactly two years
ago," said
Governor Richardson. "We worked our way to this agreement through
respect for each others' sovereign rights and responsibilities and we are
pleased that our Congressional delegation has launched it on the next level
of consideration."
"The introduction of the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act today is the long-awaited legislation we believe will be a permanent source of precious water for years to come," said President Shirley.
"It will authorize
construction of one of the largest water projects that will supply the
Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup. With
this Act, when finalized, Navajo's future for growth is secured. With
gratitude I am thankful for the congressional delegation of New Mexico for
their diligence and hard work. We are committed to working closely with our
delegation to see this bill passed soon."
The introduced legislation
provides certainty to the water users on the San Juan River,
including the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico, by settling the
Navajo
Nation’s claims to the river. The proposed settlement finalizes these
water claims and
authorizes the construction of a pipeline that will eventually provide
water to hundreds of Navajo families, the city of Gallup, and Window Rock,
Arizona.
Contact:
Gilbert Gallegos 505-476-2217
Deswood Tome 202-607-5507
George Hardeen 928-309-8532